BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — New numbers from Kern Public Health following their press conference Thursday morning. The public health department says 327 patients have recovered an increase of more than 30 people since Wednesday.

There are now 708 positive cases with 699 residents and 9 non-residents testing positive. The death toll remains at 4.

According to public health, more than 5,300 people have tested negative and more than 3,600 tests are still pending.

Most cases are in East Bakersfield with 363. West Bakersfield is currently at 213. Public health also said 87 cases are from the valley and 18 cases in both the mountain and the desert regions.

While the majority of health experts across the nation have been stressing the need for social distancing and sheltering in place as key factors in slowing the spread of COVID-19 doctors who co-own Accelerated Urgent Care facilities here in Kern County are suggestingthose guidelines are no longer needed. But the health department made their stance on the matter very clear.

"So, I can confirm that the doctor at Accelerated has spoken with our director. Our director has not concurred with the statements that were made yesterday about the need to re-open at this time," said Michelle Corson. "What I would like to re-iterate is we take very seriously the governor's guidance, the guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and we want to re-iterate now is the time to remain very vigilant and stay at home and practice social distancing."

"I strongly state that that is our position and we are so grateful our community, we see that you are staying at home."