Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus Grow In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The number of confirmed new coronavirus cases, or COVID-19, in Contra Costa County has grown from 10 on Tuesday, to 17 on Thursday, according to Contra Costa Health Services. That's county residents only, with one additional person being treated here from another jurisdiction.

The swift rise in cases was predicted by public health officials who on Tuesday recommended that groups cancel large gatherings where 50 or more people are within arm's length of each other, including concerts, sporting events, celebrations, conventions, religious services and other church gatherings.

Since then, everything from school proms to church services have been canceled.

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On Wednesday, the World Health Organization announced that the new coronavirus had become a “pandemic.” The pandemic declaration refers to the scope of the new coronavirus — but not its severity — and means it has become a "worldwide spread of a new disease.”

As of Thursday evening, 128,343 cases had been confirmed around the world, including 1,663 in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University. The death toll in the U.S. is 40, with four in California, 31 in Washington, 2 in Florida, and one each in South Dakota, Georgia, and New Jersey.

In adopting an emergency proclamation Tuesday, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen, said: "The new coronavirus or COVID-19 presents our community with a challenge. While I urge you to be prepared, it is certainly not a time to panic. Following our health officials' guidelines will help prevent the spread of disease. The County and Contra Costa Health Services will continue to offer guidance and resources. Meanwhile, there is much each and everyone one of us can do to keep our families and communities well. It will take all of us working together."

— Patch editors Bea Karnes and Maggie Fusek contributed to this story

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