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Coronavirus update 05/18/20

Post Date:05/18/2020 4:42 PM

May 18, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mike North, 209-726-2744

 

 

COVID-19 DAILY STATUS REPORT

 

PLEASE NOTE: This is an evolving situation. More information will be distributed as it becomes available. For the most up to date information, please visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Additional information is available at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus. These status reports will be released once a day in the afternoon on weekdays only. Statistics will continue to be updated daily at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirusstats.

CURRENT STATUS:

  • As of 2 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2020, there are 220 confirmed cases (85 active) of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Merced County. Of that number, 129 have recovered and six have died.
  • Please see “COVID-19 Testing Update” section for latest testing figures.

     

     

     

    TOTAL COVID-19 CASE COUNT FOR MERCED COUNTY

    Current as of May 18, 2020, 2 p.m.

    # Confirmed*

    # Active

    # Recovered**

    # Deaths

    # Ever Hospitalized

    220

     

    85

     

    Total: 129

    East County: 82

    West County: 47

    6

     

    34

     

    CASE SUMMARY DETAILS

    EXPOSURE TYPE

    East County

    West County

    Acquired Out of Jurisdiction

    26

    9

    Community Spread

    39

    14

    Healthcare Exposure***

    21

    21

    Known Exposure

    69

    18

    Under Investigation

    3

    0

    GENDER

    East County

    West County

    Female

    84

    40

    Male

    74

    22

    AGE

    East County

    West County

    <18 years

    15

    2

    18-49

    86

    39

    50-64

    32

    13

    65+

    25

    8

     

     

      

    Notes:

  1. *Total confirmed cases include total recovered and total deaths.
  2. **Recovered defined as symptom free with no medication for 72 hours.
  3. ***Healthcare exposure includes exposure in and out of jurisdiction.
  4. East Merced County includes: Atwater, Ballico, Bear Creek, Calpack, Cressey, Delhi, El Nido, Hilmar, Irwin, Le Grand, Livingston, Merced, Planada, Snelling, Stevinson, Tuttle, and Winton
  5. West Merced County includes: Dos Palos, Gustine, Los Banos, Santa Nella, and Volta

     cities 051820

    Note:    *Only communities with five or more cases are reported in this graph.

    The figures in the top chart on this page represent confirmed cases, which includes active cases, recoveries, and deaths.

     curve 051820

     

    • Based on information provided by individuals who test positive, Public Health staff will continue to assess risks of exposure and contact any affected individuals.
    • Due to privacy laws, the Public Health Department cannot release identifying information related to positive cases.
    • In California, there are 80,355 confirmed cases and 3,241 deaths.

RECENT ACTIVITIES & UPDATES:

  • Merced County Public Health continues to coordinate with federal, state and local partners to further prepare us for future impacts. This includes working with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor COVID-19.
  • In coordination with the Merced County Office of Emergency Services, situational status calls continued this week with local government agencies, schools, and healthcare professionals in our community.
  • During tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors will discuss and take possible action regarding the next steps on the variance to Stage 2 of California’s Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order. The Board will also receive an update from Public Health and consider proclaiming a local economic emergency due to COVID-19.
  • The Merced County Office of Emergency Services and Merced County Department of Public Health proclaimed a local and public health emergency March 13 in order to help address the outbreak. The Board of Supervisors ratified those actions during a March 16 special meeting.
  • On March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Executive Order N-33-20, asking California residents to stay at home. On March 20, Merced County’s Health Officer also issued an Order directing County residents to remain in their places of residence except to perform or receive essential services.
  • The Merced County Public Health Department Operations Center was activated Jan. 27, 2020 (113 days) in order to prepare for COVID-19 in and around our community. The Merced County Emergency Operations Center and Human Services Agency Department Operations Center are also currently active.

    COVID-19 TESTING UPDATE:

  • Coronavirus symptoms include: mild to severe respiratory illness, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. If symptoms develop, individuals should stay at home to limit exposure to others.
  • Anyone who has had contact with a person with possible COVID-19 infection and has the above symptoms should call his/her local health department/health care provider immediately.
  • Do not go to your provider’s office without calling ahead. Do not call 911 for suspected COVID-19 unless you are having a medical emergency.
  • During the flu season, there are steps you can take to protect your health and the health of those around you:
    • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough.
    • Cover sneezes or coughs with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • A total of 4,651 tests have been performed in Merced County: 4,162 negatives, 220 positives, and 267 still pending. These figures include testing through both the commercial and public health lab systems.
  • COVID-19 Testing Available for All Merced County Residents:
    • Merced County Fairgrounds: 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced
    • 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday—Friday
    • Register at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 1-888-634-1123
    • Due to expected high demand, testing availability is by appointment only in order to prevent unnecessarily-long wait times for clients. Walk-ins will not be accepted at this time.

       

  • Within the public health system, every person who has met CDC criteria for severe disease within Merced County has been tested.
  • Public Health is actively identifying other methods to enhance testing capability for providers throughout the community and increase testing county-wide. We will continue to be notified should positive tests come through either system (public health or commercial).
  • In late March, Merced County opened two “mobile specimen collection sites” for COVID-19 in order to streamline testing capabilities. Initially, there will be two collection days per week, one on the westside of the County, and one on the eastside of the County. Each site will remain open for four hours per day. Additional hours per day and days per week may become more frequent if supply and personnel availability increase.
    • PLEASE NOTE: Use of these mobile specimen collection sites are by appointment only, and you must have a prescription from a physician and prior approval from the Merced County Department of Public Health. If you do not have a provider and have symptoms call 209-381-1180 for a phone consultation. Anyone without prior approval will not be tested. Locations will be provided to clients once appointments are made. Call 209-381-1180 for more information.

      COVID-19 SYMPTOMS AND PRECAUTIONS:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

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