Merced County coronavirus cases rise to 19, three new infections, Public Health reports
The first coronavirus case spread from person to person in Merced County was reported by the Department of Public Health Friday.
Public Health reported three new cases Friday, raising the number of persons infected by the coronavirus to 19.
Each of the three individuals live on the west side of Merced County, according to Public Health.
Two of the three new cases are females and one is male. The 19 cases are almost evenly split by gender, with 10 males and nine females infected overall.
All of the new cases are between ages 18 to 49. Thirteen of the Merced County residents with the virus fall within this age range. No one under age 18 has tested positive in the county.
Community spread is when an individual becomes infected, but it is not known how or where they were exposed, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Person to person spread happens between those in close contact, and is thought to be the main method of exposure, the CDC says.
The number of travel-related coronavirus cases rose from eight Thursday to 10 Friday. Infections contracted through community spread doubled from two to four.
Four cases are still under investigation, down from six Thursday.
The number of individuals having recovered from coronavirus remained at three. Recoveries are defined as being symptom-free with no medication for 72 hours, Public Health says.
No COVID-19 related deaths have occurred in Merced County.
Following an announcement by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office that deputies will cite those not complying with the stay-at-home order – and the news that the county received a failing grade for social distancing – a hotline and email address are now available to report violations.
The public can call 209-381-1100 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email COVIDcomplaint@countyofmerced.com to report non-essential business activity and large group gatherings.
Starting this week, Public Health officially opened two mobile COVID-19 testing sites on the county’s east and west sides. The specific location is only disclosed to symptomatic patients with an appointment through their provider and Public Health.
Testing kit supplies remain limited nationwide, but Public Health said the drive-thru style testing sites will provide a better picture of COVID-19 cases in Merced County.
It was announced Wednesday that all 20 Merced County school districts will remain closed for in-person classes for the remainder of the school year due to coronavirus concerns. Schools will still provide meals, 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 3, 2020 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Merced County coronavirus cases rise to 19, three new infections, Public Health reports."
