Slideshow A 3D illustration of the 2019 novel coronavirus, which has four surface proteins. Santa Clara County reported its fourth case of coronavirus on Feb. 29. Image by https://www.scientificanimations.com obtained via Wikimedia Commons. Previous Next

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on March 10 ratified and extended a proclamation of a state of emergency in the county due to the coronavirus risk as the county's chief health officer warned of "widespread community transmission" of the virus.

Dr. Scott Morrow, the county's health officer, updated his March 5 statement about the coronavirus threat today with a new message in which he said he now has "evidence of widespread community transmission of COVID-19."

The county's health department did not respond by late Tuesday afternoon to The Almanac's phone calls and emails requesting more information about the statement.

The health department's website as of Thursady afternoon (March 12) reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had confirmed 20 cases of the virus in the county.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the declaration of an emergency, which will remain in effect for 30 days. At the end of that period, the board will decide whether to extend the emergency status.