County Public Health confirms case of COVID-19 through possible community transmission

February 27, 2020

SOLANO COUNTY – Solano County Public Health officials received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a Solano County resident has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has possibly acquired the disease through community transmission. The patient had not been exposed to the virus through travel or through any contact with any infected individual and the patient's exposure is unknown at this time.

"We are taking this situation seriously and are taking steps necessary to protect the health and safety of Solano County residents," said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Health Officer. “It is important to recognize that we have moved from containment to mitigation. We are investigating potential exposures and ensuring that proper evaluation and care are provided if they become sick.”

While this is considered a serious public health threat, the risk to the public in Solano County remains low. However, as the outbreak continues to spread globally, it is likely there will be more reported cases in the future.

Solano County has declared a proclamation of local emergency as of February 27, 2020, and Public Health has activated its Department Operations Center (DOC) to bolster its response efforts in identifying, screening and following up with individuals potentially exposed to the virus; collaborating with local, state and federal agencies to implement containment efforts; and providing notifications to the public and community agencies as the situation evolves.

“We understand the concern from our community because of the unknowns regarding this new virus. We are working with our local, state and federal partners to prepare for situations that may arise,” added Dr. Matyas. “We want to remind individuals that this virus does not discriminate, and people should not be excluded from activities based on their race or country of origin.”

Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 are like the flu, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure.

If you are presenting symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or had recent travel to countries with apparent community spread, contact your health care provider. Before seeking medical care, consult with your provider first to prevent possible transmission in the health care setting.

Recommendations for the Public
Take these precautions to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like COVID-19:
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
- 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.

This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and the information contained in this press release may change quickly. CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available. For the latest updates, go to the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus website at: https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19.

For local information, visit www.SolanoCounty.com/PublicHealth