The first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed in Humboldt County. Humboldt County Public Health says the individual is doing well and self-isolating at home.
A close contact of the primary case also has symptoms and is being tested. Both are being monitored by Public Health staff. Other close contacts of these individuals will also be quarantined at home and monitored.
Public health officials say additional cases may occur either in returning travelers or their contacts. Humboldt County Public Health says the risk to the general public remains low, and that there’s no evidence to suggest that coronavirus is circulating in the community at large.
“It’s important to remember that the risk to the general public remains low at this time,” said Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich. “Despite the fact that Humboldt County now has a confirmed case of COVID-19, there is no evidence to suggest that novel coronavirus is circulating in the community at large. With the amount of foreign travel by county residents, including travel to China, it is not surprising that a case has emerged locally. Additional cases may occur either in returning travelers or their close contacts.”