7th Coronavirus Death Confirmed As Cases Rise In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Another San Diego County resident has died from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, bringing the region's death toll to seven.

The man was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions, Dr. Nicholas Yphantides, the county's chief medical officer, said at a news briefing Saturday afternoon.

That man's death, combined with the death of a 25-year-old county resident announced Friday, reflects a "sober reality" that COVID-19 can affect individuals of all ages, Yphantides said.

Yphantides said 12 nursing homes and long-term care facilities in the county were investigated for possible coronavirus outbreaks. Five have been ruled out as outbreaks, while three outbreaks have been confirmed. Four remain under investigation.

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There were 71 new cases reported Saturday, bringing the region's total to 488.

Of the people who have tested positive, 96 have been hospitalized, with 42 in intensive care. Of the patients, 206 are women and 280 are men.

The cases span people ages 6 weeks old to over 80 years old. Most of the cases involve people between 20 to 59 years old.

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said Saturday the county is issuing a new public health order, extending indefinitely until further notice all closure orders that were set to expire March 31.

"Stay strong, be smart and comply with the orders," Fletcher said. "The situation in San Diego is only going to get worse in the coming days, and the actions that we take now will impact the severity of that increase."

The closure order applies to non-essential businesses, schools, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers. Anyone 65 or older and people with underlying health conditions should continue to quarantine themselves at home, he said.

"Prevention is the best medicine to fight this virus," San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox said. "To end this crisis, we've got to stop the virus from spreading, and that means staying home, avoiding physical contact with other people and washing your hands. In this battle, we are all soldiers.

"Please don't head out if you don't have to," he added. "Lives truly depend on it."

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