Update from Ventura County Public Health on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Ventura, CA – In the face of a significant increase in the numbers of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in mainland China and other Countries, many Ventura County residents are worried and fearful. The Ventura County Department of Public Health (Public Health) urges residents and visitors to get the facts and take positive steps to reduce their risk.

The County of Ventura is working closely with the California Department of Public Health, the CDC, the US Department of Health and Human Services and our local cities to help keep the community safe. The County of Ventura is committed to providing our community timely and accurate updates regarding the current situation in Ventura County. Community members can stay up to date on any new information regarding the situation in Ventura County by visiting www.vcemergency.com.

Three individuals have been tested for COVID-19 in Ventura County. All results were negative. There have been zero confirmed cases in Ventura County. There are no pending results.

There are 2 travelers, with no symptoms, on quarantine at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu.

There are 19 travelers, with no symptoms, who are self-isolated at their homes in Ventura County. Risk assessments are performed on reported travelers via phone interview after receiving notification from the California Department of Public Health. After the interview is completed the risk assessment is determined based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance with regards to their travel history. Travelers determined to be medium risk are directed to stay home for the 14-day quarantine period in self-isolation. Travelers are educated on symptoms to report; cough, fever, temperature check twice a day and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing with instructions to report any symptoms to Ventura County Public Health before seeking medical care.

Public Health is encouraging people to focus on facts, not fear. The fact is COVID-19 is NOT currently spreading in the community in Ventura County, and immediate risk to the general public in Ventura County is low. “At this time, because of the relatively low risk of novel coronavirus infection in Ventura County, we advise you to practice the same hygienic precautions as you would for the influenza virus. It will protect you from the flu, support the formation of good habits and be in place to protect you if the novel coronavirus does make its way into our County,” said Robert Levin, Health Officer and Medical Director of Ventura County Public Health.

Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves from all respiratory illnesses:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick.
• Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

If you have recently traveled to China and are experiencing flu like symptoms, please call Ventura County Public Health Communicable Diseases at 805-981-5101.

For the most up to date information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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