As global fears over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) rise, California has seen its second possible case of community spread. The patient is an older woman in Santa Clara County who had no known contact with COVID-19 patients and had not recently traveled overseas.
“This new case indicates that there is evidence of community transmission but the extent is still not clear,” said Dr. Sara Cody, health officer for Santa Clara County and director of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. “I understand this may be concerning to hear, but this is what we have been preparing for. Now we need to start taking additional actions to slow down the spread of the disease.”
Officials say two students at Sacramento-area community colleges have also been exposed to the virus.
One student at American River College and another from Cosumnes River College, who both work as medical professionals, were exposed off-campus to someone who has since tested positive for COVID-19 and is being treated in Sacramento County, authorities said.
County health experts have indicated that there are indications at this time that students at the campuses are at risk for potential exposure to the virus. — KTVU
The students were exposed while working at off-campus medical jobs.
As CalMatters reports, schools are preparing for the worst. Solano County schools are offering at-home independent study programs. Colleges are disinfecting dorms and preparing to move courses online. California State University has cancelled its study abroad programs in South Korea.
The good news is that young children who get the coronavirus appear to have a better prognosis than older adults so far.
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