MADERA — California Governor Gavin Newsom late Wednesday (March 4) declared a state of emergency after the first coronavirus-related death in the state.
The emergency declaration will “help advance resources” and prepare the state for the spread of coronavirus, Newsom said.
California authorities reported earlier in the day COVID-19 claimed the life of an elderly patient in Placer County. Ten others have died from the coronavirus in Washington state.
The number of reported cases in California rose to 51 on Wednesday, the most of any state, as health officials in Los Angeles County announced six new cases and declared a local state of emergency there.
The virus has been detected across the United States but so far has been concentrated on the West Coast.
Gov. Newsom continued to urge Californians to take precautions while emphasizing risks to public health from COVID-19 remained “low.”
Meanwhile, county health officials continue to remain on heightened alert for signs of the coronavirus in Madera County.
Late last month, local health officials launched a special page on the County’s website to help monitor and track the potential spread of coronavirus locally. “As of 3/04/20, the number of coronavirus (COVID 2019) cases in Madera County: 0,” reads a boldfaced banner at the top of the new page, which was first updated on Feb. 27.
“The Madera County Department of Public Health is closely tracking the progress of COVID-19,” says an update on the new tracker page, which also includes a description of symptoms and tips on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“The Department of Public Health has plans in place to protect the community and limit exposure,” says a brief statement on the County’s website page. “We are taking preemptive measures to address concerns that may arise in our community. Plans are in place to protect residents, limit exposure, and address concerns as they arise. The immediate risk still remains low for the U.S. public at this time, and there are currently no reported cases in Madera County or surrounding counties.”
Precautions to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 include:
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water, rubbing them together vigorously for at least 20 seconds
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
- Stay home if sick
- Get a flu shot to protect yourself and others from flu, which has similar symptoms to COVID-19
