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San Diego County monitoring 200+ people over coronavirus concerns

Posted at 5:26 PM, Feb 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-21 21:25:48-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — More than 200 people in San Diego County are currently being monitored over novel coronavirus concerns, county health officials said Friday.

The 204 people under county supervision include those deemed at risk of having been exposed to the virus due to close contact with confirmed cases or because of travel to China in the past 14 days, the county said.

Those individuals are monitoring their health under the supervision of county health officials.

RELATED: San Diego Board of Supervisors extends coronavirus emergencies

So far, 338 people in all have been monitored by the county, with 134 people completing their time under supervision.

Health officials say the CDC is conducting screening for those landing at one of 11 U.S. airports from China. From there, if a patient shows no symptoms they are self-quarantined at home for self-monitoring with public health supervision.

San Diego has had two confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19. One patient has since recovered from the virus and been released. The second patient was still receiving care. A third patient under investigation is still awaiting test results.

RELATED: Mislabeled sample led to release of San Diego coronavirus patient

Thursday, the county Board of Supervisors voted to extend local and public health emergencies in response to their response to the illness. The emergency declarations allow county leaders to seek mutual aid, potential reimbursement for their response, ensure resources to first responders and hospitals, stock pile medical supplies and hospital beds, and access to state and federal emergency funds if necessary.

Health officials advise anyone who believes they have coronavirus to contact their health provider immediately. Coronavirus patients have reported symptoms from mild to severe respiratory illness and fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.