BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Public Health Services Department is currently testing four local residents for coronavirus. At this time there are no confirmed cases in the county.

In a video briefing Wednesday morning, public health spokesperson Michelle Corson, four people now meet the criteria for testing.

Public Health briefing on coronavirus

According to Corson, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you demonstrate certain symptoms and you have a travel history, you could meet the criteria for testing and be referred by a medical profession.

Corson said they have begun a program to monitor residents who have traveled internationally through one of the 11 designated airports in the United State, and you are not symptomatic, your name is provided to the department for follow-up.

Public health will assess those who meet the criteria to determine if you need to be monitored for the 14-day period. On top of the four people being tested for the coronavirus, three additional people are be monitored.

Corson encourages the public to take the proper precautions, such as washing your hands and staying home if you are sick, and stay informed by visiting their website.

She also wants to remind the public they do not recommend wearing facemasks as a preventative measure for the coronavirus. Facemasks may be appropriate for persons experience respiratory symptoms to limit the spread to others, or for healthcare providers in contact with ill patients.

