3 New Contra Costa Coronavirus Cases: Community Health Guidelines

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Three more Contra Costa County residents have confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and are in isolation at their homes, Contra Costa Health Services said Friday. Two of the patients were passengers aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship and one is known to have had close contact with a COVID-19 patient in another jurisdiction, CCHS Spokesman Will Harper said in a media advisory.

Contra Costa Public Health Director Dr. Dan Peddycord said the three new cases tested positive Thursday night. All three are in isolation at their residences and do not require hospitalization at this time, he said. County home-health personnel are monitoring the three patients to ensure they are following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new cases bring the total number of COVID-19 cases among county residents to four.

The first county resident to test positive for COVID-19 earlier this week is hospitalized and was in critical condition Friday, Peddycord said.

Because it has not yet been determined how the patient contracted the coronavirus, the county Friday introduced guidelines for people 50 and older, and people of all ages who suffer from serious illnesses, including: diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or immunosuppression.

"CCHS is recommending that people who are higher risk from COVID-19, including adults over 50 and people with certain underlying medical conditions, should avoid mass gatherings, such as parades, sporting events or concerts," Harper said.

The at-risk residents do not have to avoid the grocery store, the mall or office buildings, where they can stay at least an arm's length away, county health officials said.

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The Grand Princess was ordered Wednesday by state and federal officials to delay its arrival in San Francisco after the state of California's first coronavirus-related death was identified as a passenger on the ship Feb. 11-21 on a round-trip cruise from San Francisco to Mexico.

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The U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coordinated delivery of COVID-19 tests to the ship.

Princess Cruises said in an email to Patch and other media outlets that U.S. Vice President Mike Pence notified the cruise line Friday afternoon that 21 of 45 Grand Princess guests and crew tested for COVID-19 were positive: two guests and 19 crew members.

"The ship’s doctor is in the process of informing the guests and crew of their individual results," Princess Cruises said. "All guests and affected crew will remain isolated in their rooms.

"We are awaiting official specific plans for future positioning of the ship from relevant authorities. Princess Cruises will continue to closely follow the guidance of the CDC and other federal and state government authorities.

"Guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone to stay in contact with their families and loved ones, and the ship’s company is working to keep all guests comfortable. The ship has quickly transitioned food and beverage service to provide room service for all staterooms.

"We are working with CDC to determine what additional precautionary measures, if any, will be required. Princess Cruises medical team is collecting information from guests regarding any medication prescription refills needs.

"Princess Cruises can confirm there are 3,533 people currently onboard Grand Princess, including 2,422 guests and 1,111 teammates. In total, they represent 54 nationalities."

The 45 test samples were delivered Thursday to the California Department of Public Health in Richmond by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The ship sailed from San Francisco Feb. 26 and was returning from a cruise through the Hawaiian Islands with some of the same passengers aboard from the previous trip to Mexico.

As of Thursday, there were at least 60 confirmed cases and two deaths in California linked to COVID-19.

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