SAN DIEGO–The county announced the first death of a San Diego county resident from COVID-19 during a news conference Sunday.
A man in his early 70s died in Santa Clara County after traveling to Hawaii. More information was not released for confidentiality reasons.
County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., reminded the public that for the sake of public safety, they should adhere to the governor’s executive order to stay at home. Many residents are following the order, but others are gathering at beaches and other locations, and ignoring recommendations about social distancing.
“Please, I implore you, to not gather with any non-household groups. Please adhere to the six-foot social distancing rule when you are in areas with non-household members,” said Wooten. “Per the governor’s order, not following the order is a misdemeanor subject to a $1,000 fine.”
If residents have concerns about gathering, they’re asked to use their judgment and if need be, call the non-emergency number in their community to contact local enforcement.
Meanwhile, the region received good news in regard to beds and medical supplies for COVID-19. Late yesterday, the state announced San Diego County has been selected for a mobile field hospital which could provide up to 250 additional beds in the region.
Tomorrow the federal government is expected to deliver through the state face shields and gowns to help local medical staff. The County’s Medical Operations Center will begin filling requests from local medical facilities for protective wear immediately after the supplies arrive.
County residents are reminded that most people do not need to wear a mask if they don’t have any symptoms of the disease.
“If you’re not symptomatic, don’t wear a mask,” said Medical Operations Center Director Rob Sills. “When someone does not have symptoms and they wear a mask, it takes a mask away from providers who are providing care to our patients.”
A call also went out to health care professionals who are no longer working and have time to give. They are asked to volunteer to help with the COVID-19 response by visiting healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov.
Meantime, the governor’s stay-at-home directive allows for essential services to continue operating. They include restaurant carry-out and quick service food operations, workers supporting childcare establishments, and construction workers as well as commercial retail stores that supply essential sectors such as convenience stores, pet supply stores, auto supply and repair, hardware and home improvement.
County Public Health Orders Remain in Place
People — even those in essential services — should continue to follow the public health orders:
- People are encouraged not to gather in groups of any size unless it’s necessary.
- Day care must be limited to groups of up to 10 children in the same room and must remain in the same group each day with the same staff person.
- People 65 years of age and older, or anyone who has a chronic underlying condition or who is immunocompromised, should stay home.
- Hospitals must conserve resources and delay non-emergency surgeries and elective procedures.
Business ordered closed include:
- Bars and adult-entertainment establishments that serve alcohol and not food
- Restaurants must close dining-areas, but may serve food for take-out, drive-through, or delivery
- Schools
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Hair and nail salons
Social Distancing to Flatten the Curve
Public health officials are urging people to “flatten the curve” of the novel coronavirus by staying home and keeping at least six feet away from other people unless they’re family. That would keep the virus from racing through populations, making everyone sick in a huge spike that could overwhelm hospitals and healthcare systems.
