No local coronavirus cases in the Victor Valley

Apple Valley, CA – March 2, 2020: There have been no reported cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Apple Valley or in San Bernardino County, according to a recent press release from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH). 

The Town of Apple Valley’s Emergency Preparedness staff is actively monitoring coronavirus information from a variety of sources including St. Mary’s Medical Center, the County DPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the California Department of Public Health.

According to DPH, California has reported seven travel-related cases of COVID-19 in the state, one close contact case and one case from community transmission. The health risk from COVID-19 to the general public remains low at this time. Although COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate, reads the press release.

“DPH is working closely with state and federal partners to continue gathering as much information as possible about this virus and preparing to respond,” said Dr. Erin Gustafson, San Bernardino County Acting Health Officer. “At this time, we urge the public to remain calm, as the health risk to the general public in our county remains low. Our top priority is ensuring that residents of San Bernardino County remain safe and healthy.”

As with any virus, especially during the flu season, DPH recommends taking some basic precautions:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If someone does become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough, they should stay away from work, school or other people to avoid spreading illness.

To learn more about COVID-19, visit the Communicable Disease Section’s Emerging Diseases webpage at wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/programs/cds/emerging-diseases or call (800) 722-4794.