Merced County coronavirus infections increase to 27. First local non-adult case reported
Eight new coronavirus cases were reported Saturday in Merced County, raising the total number of infected residents to 27, according to the Merced County Department of Public Health.
The number of new infections in Merced County is split evenly between males and females. One of the latest infected individuals includes a male who is younger than 18, according to county data.
Among total infections, 14 men and 13 woman have tested positive. That includes the one youth, 19 people between ages 18 and 49, four people ages 50-64, and three people age 65 or above.
Among the 27 infections in Merced County:
Six cases were transmitted by person-to-person contact. Person to person spread happens between those in close contact, and is thought to be the main method of exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Eleven cases are travel-related, and eight were due to community spread, which is when an individual becomes infected, but it is not known how or where they were exposed. Two of the cases remain under investigation.
Of those residents who tested positive, 17 live on the county’s east side and 10 live on the west side. Three of those residents have recovered from the virus, and no deaths have been reported 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 4, 2020 at 7:31 PM.