First case of coronavirus confirmed in Placer County

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. — The first case of coronavirus [COVID-19] has been confirmed in Placer County after a patient tested presumptively positive, according to health officials. 

The patient is a NorthBay VacaValley Hospital health care worker who had previously been exposed to another coronavirus case in Solano County.

According to health officials, the health care worker is currently in isolation and showing mild symptoms. All those who have had close contact with the patient will be quarantined and monitored. 

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“As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our patients, our staff, physicians and the community,” Aimee Brewer, president of NorthBay HealthCare Group, said. “We are tracing all contacts this worker had in our organization and sharing that information with public health officials in both Solano and Placer counties. We are working with the California Department of Public Health, the CDC and local public health departments to ensure we are following the most up-to-date protocols and procedures for dealing with this evolving situation.”

Health officials say the risk to the general public in Placer County is relatively low. However, now is the time to prepare in case the virus does spread within the community. 

“We have expected to see cases of COVID-19 in Placer County and have been planning and preparing accordingly,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson. “Given recent evidence of community spread occurring elsewhere in California, we are now encouraging the public to prepare for the likelihood of local community spread here as well, unrelated to this case.”

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When people have coronavirus (COVID-19) they present symptoms similar to the flu:

• headache
• runny nose
• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• shortness of breath

Four key things to keep in mind when attempting to avoid contracting the coronavirus are:

• Wash your hands.
• Don't touch your face or wear a mask.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Clean commonly used surfaces, including your cellphone, often.

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The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is on-going: therefore, world health organizations say to stay informed and follow their recommendations.