Coronavirus In Contra Costa County: First Death; 46 Cases

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Health officials have announced the first coronavirus-related death in Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa Health Services reports that the "resident was in their 70s and had a pre-existing condition that put them at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and a history of recent overseas travel."

At a briefing Friday morning with health officials and the chair of the Board of Supervisors, Contra Costa Health Officer Chris Farnitano said, "This death underscores the urgent need for all Contra Costa residents to follow the stay-at-home order, maintain social distancing, and also the state order just issued by Gov. (Gavin) Newsom last night.

"Novel coronavirus in dangerous for older adults and people with certain medical conditions including heart or lung disease, diabetes, and those with weak immune systems," Farnitano continued. "We believe that by following these orders, we can reduce the spread of the virus right now in our community and that will save lives."

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The number of coronavirus tests performed in the county is increasing every day, so residents should expect to see the number of cases increase. On Friday, the caseload was 46. Farnitano cautioned, "More confirmed cases does not mean we are losing ground, it means we are sharpening our focus, and gathering data that will help us through this emergency."

Chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, Candace Andersen, also spoke about the importance of following the stay-at-home order. “We want you to think about the older people in your life,” Andersen said, “who have a preexisting health condition. These are the lives we’re seeking to protect as we follow this order."