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SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health has been informed that one person in Santa Clara County has tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019. This information is confirmed by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory.

Currently, the California Department of Public Health confirms a total of three cases of novel coronavirus in California: one individual in Santa Clara County, one individual in Los Angeles County and one individual in Orange County have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019.

"It is understandable that some Californians may be nervous about potential spread of novel coronavirus, but the risk to the general public in California remains low," said Dr. Sonia Angell, California Public Health Department Director and State Health Officer. "The Department of Public Health has been closely tracking this virus and we are actively engaged with our local health departments, the CDC and local governments to make sure Californians remain safe and healthy."

At this time, no other persons infected with novel coronavirus (nCoV 2019) have been identified in California. Currently, the immediate health risk from novel coronavirus 2019 to the general public is low.

It is very important for people who have recently traveled and who become ill to notify their health care provider of their travel history. Those who have recently traveled to China or who have had contact with a person with possible novel coronavirus infection should contact their local health department or health care provider. 

The Department of Public Health has been prepared and is continuing with the following actions:

• Providing information about the outbreak and how to report suspect cases to local health departments and health care providers in California.
• Coordinating with CDC personnel who are doing screening of travelers from China at SFO and LAX.
• Assuring that health care providers know how to safely manage persons with possible novel coronavirus 2019 infection.
• Supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories for collection and shipment of specimens for testing at CDC for novel coronavirus 2019.
• Activating the Department of Public Health's Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts across the state.

The novel coronavirus 2019 outbreak in China continues to evolve and California is prepared for more cases that may arise. The California Department of Public Health considers this a very important public health event; we are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to partners across the state to support their preparedness efforts.

As with any virus, especially during the flu season, the Health Department reminds you there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:

• Washing hands with soap and water.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick are all ways to reduce the risk of infection with a number of different viruses.
• Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.

The California Department of Public Health will not be providing additional information about the patient beyond what is being shared by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. For more information about nCov-2019, please visit the CDPH website.​​