The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department announced the first death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county.
The patient was an adult woman in her 60s and had been hospitalized for several weeks. She was the third case of coronavirus, which was reported Feb. 28. She was the first person in the county confirmed to be infected with coronavirus without any known history of international travel or contact with a traveler or infected person, suggesting she contracted coronavirus in the community. She died at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View on the morning of March 9.
“This is a tragic development. The Public Health Department is taking necessary, carefully considered steps to slow down the spread of the disease and to protect those at greatest risk,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer for Santa Clara County. “We are facing a historic public health challenge and know this is a very difficult time. Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our community.”
According to health officials, it is critical that individuals and organizations take action to slow the spread of coronavirus following all applicable guidelines and recommendations from the Public Health Department, and carefully reviewing new recommendations and direction as it is issued.
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department says it continues to work closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of California Department of Public Health, and other partners as the new coronavirus situation continues to change.
Additional information and the Public Health Department’s and CDC’s guidance and recommendations are available will be updated as soon as possible on our website: http://sccphd.org/coronavirus.
Since Friday, 17 new coronavirus cases have been identified in Santa Clara County. As of March 8, there are 37 cases in the County.
So far, one case has recovered, and, as of this morning, there has been one death.
Many cities, including the City of Santa Clara, canceled events to help prevent coronavirus spreading. The Santa Clara City Library canceled all programs through Sunday, March 15 and extensions will be decided on a week to week basis. The Senior Center will offer limited hours for the Senior Fitness Center and the Santa Clara Senior Center has canceled all other programs through Sunday, March 15 — extensions will be decided on a week to week basis. Events like Family Movie Night, Showtime and Junior Olympics, were canceled and postponed. The City says that more events are subject to cancelation or postponement on a case-by-case basis. Learn more at https://www.santaclaraca.gov/i-want-to/stay-informed/current-topics/coronavirus-updates
Sunnyvale, too. Ongoing senior programs like ballroom dancing and table tennis have been canceled until further notice. The Sunnyvale Public Library’s programs have been canceled through March 31. Alternatives to events like the Evening of Cultural Arts with Patrick Ball on March 17, are being explored. Learn more at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov/news/topics/coronavirus.htm.
