A Santa Cruz County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. According to County officials, the resident had previously traveled on the Grand Princess cruise ship from San Francisco to Mexico.
That trip occurred from February 11th to the 21st. The County isn’t disclosing any further information about the resident at this time due to medical privacy concerns.
Test results confirmed the case on Friday night. This marks the first COVID-19 case in Santa Cruz County. Officials highlight that it was not acquired through community spread.
The Santa Cruz County Public Health Department is working to identify any potential exposures.
"We are taking this situation seriously and are taking steps necessary to protect the health and safety of Santa Cruz County residents," said Dr. Gail Newel, County of Santa Cruz Health Officer.
TheCalifornia Department of Public Health is closely monitoring people who traveled on the Grand Princess cruise ship. All are under self-quarantine.
Santa Cruz County Public Health officials say even with this first case, the risk to Santa Cruz County residents is low. Still, they anticipate more local cases.
Santa Cruz County Public Health officials strongly urge people to take these precautions:
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
• Don’t touch your face;
• Regularly clean surfaces touched by many people;
• Stay home if you are sick; and
• Get a flu shot to protect yourself and others from flu, which has similar symptoms to COVID-19.
Click here for updates from Santa Cruz County, call 211 or text "coronavirus" to 211211 for information.
Click here for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
