Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference recently about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how the state is responding. Here are some of the facts at this time:
Worldwide there are 82,400 cases of the Coronavirus, with 2,800 deaths.
In the United States there are 445 cases of the Coronavirus with no deaths.
In California, 8,400 individuals are being monitored for possible exposure to the Coronavirus. 33 cases of the Coronavirus have been confirmed, however with no deaths.
Orange County has only one reported case, and that person has recovered.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a possible first case of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 in California in the general public. The individual is a resident of Solano County and is receiving treatment. The individual had no known exposure to the virus through travel or close contact with a known infected individual.
The health care system and public health infrastructure is prepare for the potential spread of the such diseases, such as H1N1, in the past and is prepared and actively responding to the potential community spread of the virus.
The health risk from COVID-19 to the general public is considered low at this time. While the Coronavirus has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate. From international data, of those who tested positive for the COVID-19, approximately 80% do not show symptoms that would require hospitalization.
If your child is sick, please keep him/her home from any SCVA sanctioned events, including but not limited to tournaments, practices, tryouts, and team bonding. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the Coronavirus, and other flu viruses, please follow these tips:
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw that tissue away.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Get your flu shot every year.
Additionally, the California Department of Public Health does not recommend the use of face masks for general prevention, and states that hand-washing provides better protection for infectious diseases.