The County of Santa Cruz Public Health division has announced its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19).

On March 6, test results confirmed a COVID-19 diagnosis for a resident who had recently traveled on the Grand Princess cruise ship from San Francisco to Mexico February 11-21.

The case was not acquired through community spread. The department is conducting an investigation to identify any potential exposures that may have occurred.

"We are taking this situation seriously and are taking steps necessary to protect the health and safety of Santa Cruz County residents," said Dr. Gail Newel, County of Santa Cruz Health Officer in a statement.

Santa Cruz County Public Health says it anticipates there will be additional reported local cases, but that the risk to residents in Santa Cruz County remains low.

The California Department of Public Health previously alerted counties of an exposure risk due to several travelers returning from the Grand Princess cruise ship, including travelers residing in Santa Cruz County.

All are being actively monitored and are under self-quarantine, with daily contact with public health officials. Testing is requested for those exhibiting symptoms.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or had recently traveled to countries with reported outbreaks should contact their primary care physician. Patients are advised to call first in order to prevent possible transmission in the health care setting.

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