March 10 COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 remains a topic of conversation worldwide. Here’s what’s happening across the state, in Tulare County, and at Kaweah Health.

Statewide

The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 157 confirmed cases: this does not include passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship currently docked in Oakland. For more information on the progress of the return of individuals from the Grand Princess cruise ship, see this update from ASPR and CalOES.

Source: California Department of Public Health

Countywide

The Tulare County Public Health Communicable Disease staff continue to assist 11 individuals who are self-isolating due to having a travel risk factor. There are no cases of COVID-19 in Tulare County as of March 10, 2020. Reminder: Individuals are released from count after 14 days.

At Kaweah Health 

We know that many people have questions about COVID-19. Although, we continue our work to keep patients, visitors and staff safe during this time, we also want to keep things in perspective for our community. One tool that we would like to share that is doing that Johns Hopkins University & Medicine’s Coronavirus Resource Center. This interactive, real-time map shows exactly how COVID-19 is spreading, but it also notes how many people have recovered from the virus. Visit this site and learn more https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

We remain in constant communication with Tulare County’s Public Health Officer and we’re constantly monitoring CDC for opportunities to improve our plan to keep our staff, patients and visitors safe.

How Can People Protect Themselves:
Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

1. WASH. YOUR. HANDS.

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.

2. Cover a cough or sneeze

Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or disposable tissue.

3. Don’t touch

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

4. Keep your distance

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

5. Stay home

If you experience respiratory symptoms like a fever or cough, stay home.

6. Get help

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, CALL your health care provider.

What to Do if You Think You're Sick:
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

We will keep you posted as we know more.