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California refuses to release county-by-county coronavirus information

March 10, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom

By CCT STAFF

As the coronavirus continues to spread in California, state health officials are refusing to disclose which counties have confirmed cases, while county health departments are providing conflicting information regarding precautionary steps the public should take.

There are currently 133 confirmed cases, not including those on the Grand Princess Cruise Ship docked outside Oakland, and two deaths in California. And while it appears there are specific counties in the state more impacted by the virus, state health officials refuse to disclose statistical information by county, allegedly to protect the privacy of the afflicted.

On the Central Coast, according to county health officials, two people in Ventura County have tested positive for the virus. No one has tested positive in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or Monterey counties.

Adding to the confusion is the varied information released from public health officials in different counties.

Last week, Santa Clara County health officials urged residents to postpone or cancel large gatherings, and for businesses to have employees work from home when possible. At the same time, Los Angeles health officials were recommending people engage in their regular activities, and practice good public health hygiene.

Santa Clara County, with 43 confirmed cases and one death, on Monday issued a mandatory ban on gatherings of 1,000 people or more.

And while the state is refusing to disclose the number of cases in each county, local health officials appear to be more transparent. Some of the counties impacted include Los Angeles with 16 cases; at lease nine cases in Contra Costa County; San Diego County has two cases; and Fresno County has one travel-related case.

Across California, some schools and universities have closed or moved classes online, and many large gatherings have been canceled.Several staffers at Cal Poly in SLO, note ongoing discussions over possible closures.

“Classes at Cal Poly are continuing as usual at this time,” according to Matt Lazier, Cal Poly director of media relations.

Currently, there are at least 804 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States. Of the 28 people who have died from the virus, 23 were in Washington state, two in California, two in Florida and one in New Jersey.


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“You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” -Rahm Emanuel


3

Pretty Boy Newsom is following the I know best rule and refuses to obey any federal laws ( report illegal criminals ) and thinks Calif is above everyone else. We are highest gas prices more homeless people can’t use plastic bags but no recycle program in place could go on but to depressing. Tell the people the truth for a change


3

Everything is a secret except for what is written on your head stone. Then again in California, if you are undeclared your headstone can read what you want it to read at your time of death..


-1

A lot of selfish people get sick and still go out and infect others, that’s the problem. It’s reality. Since that is the case, if you are old, are immunocompromised or have underlying heath problems like high blood pressure or cancer, hunker down and stay home. This will pass. It’s worse than the flu.


2

That a boy Newsome…secrecy…that’s the answer…you are learning well from China…


6

As many have observed, our nation’s response to corona virus is incompetent and sets us up for potential big trouble. This story shows how craven our public health officials have become, placing “privacy rights” of unidentifiable patients above release of information needed for a competent public health response. It shows also the difference between intelligent interventions at a time when they matter (early) like discouraging large group germ dispersion vs. the politically chicken tactics of LA County (continue as normal, just wash your hands). As for nobody on central coast “testing” positive? Indeed. Since no testing’s happening, that would be a fact, but one that indicts public health practices more than it reassures.


2