Update 3/11:
ELK GROVE, Calif. -- Officials at Elk Grove’s Carlton Senior Living Center confirm the first coronavirus-related death in Sacramento County was a resident at their facility.
In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Carlton wrote, “We regret to inform you that a resident of our Elk Grove Community who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 while in the hospital, unfortunately passed away this evening. The resident will be greatly missed and we are all saddened by this loss. Our hearts are with the family and we ask that you respect their privacy at this time.”
Original:
A woman living in an assisted living center who tested positive of the coronavirus died Tuesday, becoming Sacramento County's first COVID-19-related death, health officials said.
The woman was in her 90s and had underlying health issues, county officials said.
A resident of Elk Grove's Carlton Senior Living facility was confirmed Tuesday to have tested positive for COVID-19. County health officials would not confirm if the woman who died was the same Elk Grove resident.
"When a nursing home facility has an outbreak, regardless if it is flu, norovirus or COVID-19, Sacramento County Public Health immediately begins the investigation process to follow the communicable disease exposure of others, and will monitor or isolate those individuals until they are no longer contagious," said Sacramento County Department of Health Services Director, Dr. Peter Beilenson.
According to the CDC, older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at a higher risk of contracted the virus.
New numbers from the state's health department show at least 60 confirmed cases of coronavirus in California are people seniors 65 and older, while 93 cases are people younger that 65.
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CORONAVIRUS BACKGROUND
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
The CDC also says facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of the virus. If you’re not sick, you do not have to wear a facemask. The CDC says the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low.
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