COVID Confirmed Santa Cruz Co California ex-Grand Princess

[niman]

test results confirmed the virus in a Santa Cruz County resident who traveled on the Grand Princess Cruise Ship from San Francisco to Mexico in mid-February.

https://kion546.com/news/2020/03/07/first-santa-cruz-county-coronavirus-case-confirmed/

[niman]

By Megan Meier

UPDATED

today at 10:42 am

Published March 7, 2020 10:30 am

First Santa Cruz County coronavirus case confirmed

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The County of Santa Cruz Public Health Department announced its first case of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Saturday.

Health officials said test results confirmed the virus in a Santa Cruz County resident who traveled on the Grand Princess Cruise Ship from San Francisco to Mexico in mid-February.

The health department said they are currently investigating if any exposures of the virus 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 County of Santa Cruz Health Officer, Dr. Gail Newel.

 

The identity of the individual diagnosed remains private.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was first to alert Santa Cruz County of travelers returning from the Grand Princess Cruise Ship to the Central Coast. Officials said each of these individuals are being monitored by the health department and are under self-quarantine.

On March 4, Santa Cruz County declared a local health emergency due to the Coronavirus, but adds that the risk to residents remains low.

With the spread of the virus, officials said they expect there will be additional cases in the county.

“Any new virus brings a great deal community concern. We are prepared for all situations that may arise,” Dr. Newel said.

KION's Megan Meier will have more on this story tonight at 5 p.m.