Coronavirus Update. New State Test Kits Being Deployed.

Share with Friends

As the state of California ramps up its coronavirus response, officials reported today that ten additional public health labs are being opened in the state, including three in the Bay Area that will provide 48 hour turnaround of test results.

State health officials also say they have begun receiving thousands of testing kits from the federal Centers for Disease Control, and will ramp up virus testing in the next few days.

In addition, according to state officials, ten additional public health labs will open in the next few weeks, bringing the total number of test-capable labs to twenty spread across the state. The state has pledged to spend at least $20 million to expand virus response efforts across the state.

According to Sonoma County health officer Dr. Celeste Philip, the county is anticipating the arrival of kits locally this week, allowing quicker testing and results for those who may have come down with symptoms of the virus.

On Monday, Sonoma County officials held a news conference at which they declared a Local Public Health Emergency after a 2nd case of the coronavirus was confirmed by tests. Officials believe this case may be the first caused by community spread, although that has yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, the health department is tracing anyone who may have been exposed locally, and hoping to isolate them until it’s known if they contracted the virus.

On Monday, The Healdsburg School, an independent K-8 school in Healdsburg was closed as a precaution after it was revealed that a person who was exposed to the virus visited the campus after hours. It will be closed until cleaning is completed.

While all of this is happening, the state of California has opened an emergency operations hub to coordinate coronavirus response throughout the state. Sonoma County is coordinating its response through its Emergency Management Center.

State and federal health officials continue to advise the public to practice vigilance, by washing hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth, and seeing a doctor if you have symptoms of upper respiratory infection. They also say wearing of a mask is not required, or effective, for the general public. However if you do have symptoms including sneezing or coughing, be sure to wear a mask before you visit your healthcare provider.