Coronavirus: Merced County reports four new infections, brings total to 16 confirmed cases
Merced County saw its biggest jump yet in confirmed coronavirus cases Thursday, as the number of infected residents climbed from 12 to 16, according to Merced County Department of Public Health.
All four live on the east side of the county, according to Department of Public Health.
The four new cases are split evenly by gender. Two are age 18 to 49 and two are age 50 to 64.
Ten of the 16 coronavirus cases in Merced County are individuals 18 to 49. Nobody under the age of 18 has tested positive for the disease.
The origin of the four new cases, as well as the two reported Wednesday, are still under investigation by Public Health. Those at risk of exposure are being contacted by Public Health.
Eight of the 16 total cases were travel related and two were spread through community transmission, according to Public Health.
Starting this week, Public Health officially opened two mobile COVID-19 testing sites on the east and west side of the county. The specific location is disclosed only to symptomatic patients who secure an appointment through their provider and Public Health.
While testing kit supplies remain limited nation-wide, Public Health said the drive-thru style testing sites will provide a more accurate sense of COVID-19 in Merced County.
In positive news, three Merced County residents have recovered from COVID-19 after testing positive, Public Health reported Thursday. Public Health defines recovery as being symptom free without medication for 72 hours.
No known COVID-19 related deaths have occurred in Merced County.
There is now a hotline ((209) 381-1100) and email address (COVIDcomplaint@countyofmerced.com) to report nonessential business activity and large group gatherings in violation of the state-mandated stay-at-home-order.
The Sheriff’s Office said Monday that it will begin citing individuals that gather in groups and nonessential businesses that remain open. Businesses in violation could risk losing their license.
It was reported Tuesday that Merced County received a failing grade for social distancing measures aimed at curbing the global pandemic’s spread. The county’s grade has risen slightly since to a “D,” according to data company Unacast.
A #StayHomeSavesLives social media campaign was launched Thursday, with county and city officials taking part to encourage residents to comply with the stay-at-home order.
All 20 Merced County school districts will remain closed for in-person classes for the remainder of the school year due to coronavirus concerns, it was announced Wednesday. Meals will still be provided at schools, however.
The county recently added a link on its site for those in need of help or able to give help.
This story was originally published April 2, 2020 at 4:20 PM.
