Santa Clara County confirms 11th COVID-19 case amid ‘almost daily’ increase

Santa Clara County now has 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19, otherwise known as the novel coronavirus, officials said Tuesday afternoon.

The county says of the total confirmed cases two have been determined to be from “community transmission,” four are travel-related and three cases were close contacts with known cases and two remain under investigation.

Dr. Sara Cody, the county’s Health Officer, said in a statement:

“Due to our almost daily increase in cases, the Public Health Department is issuing new guidance today to protect the health of vulnerable individuals.”

Cody added:

“We ask for the public’s help in sharing these new recommendations, staying calm, and following prior guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control.”

The county says people most at risk of infection appear to be those aged 50  or older, and risk increases with age. The highest risk group is age 80 or older.

The county also said:

“(Those with) underlying medical problems are likely at higher risk for severe disease, including persons with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those who are immunocompromised.”

The county recommends those at higher risk should avoid mass gatherings like sporting events, parades, concerts or other events where one would be in close proximity to another.

The county added:

“This would not include typical office environments, grocery stores, or shopping centers, where it is unusual for large numbers of people to be within arm’s length of one another.”

Organizations that serve seniors and/or medically vulnerable individuals should cancel mass gatherings and stay on top of sanitization and make sure those who are ill stay home, county officials said.

The public can access CDC guidance for schools here and for organizers of mass gatherings here.

A press conference was planned for 3 p.m. at 55 W. Younger Ave. in San Jose by the county’s Public Health Department regarding new measures to prevent the virus’ spread.