Placer County health officials have confirmed the first coronavirus death in California.The person who died was an elderly adult who had underlying health conditions, health officials said.“This death represents the first death in the state of California from COVID-19 and marks a tragic milestone for our community,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson. “While we expected more COVID-19 cases, and eventually deaths, this death in our second case is a sobering reminder that while the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 worldwide have been mild, older persons and persons with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious disease.”>> WATCH Dr. Aimee Sisson speak about the first coronavirus death in California in the video player aboveThe person tested presumptively positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, and officials believe they may have been exposed sometime between Feb. 11 to Feb. 21 during international travel on a Princess cruise ship that departed from San Francisco to Mexico.| MORE: Coronavirus by the Numbers: California and beyond |They developed coronavirus symptoms while on the cruise. At least one other passenger tested presumptively positive as well, according to Sisson. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Princess Cruises are working to notify passengers of their possible exposure. Placer County health officials are asking any locals who were passengers to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution.Health officials say the person had minimal community exposure after returning from the cruise and going to the hospital.The person arrived at Kaiser Permanente Roseville on Feb. 27 and was in isolation after testing positive.Sisson said the patient died Wednesday morning. Ten health care workers and five emergency responders who were exposed to the patient are now in quarantine, officials said.Those who are quarantined do not have symptoms but are being monitored.“Some of these employees did have contact with the public after being exposed to the confirmed case, but because they had no symptoms during that time and remain without symptoms, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to the public based on exposure to these asymptomatic workers is very low, if any,” Sisson said. Sisson said that moving forward, to prevent potential exposure to first responders, Placer County Public Health has advised local 911 dispatch to screen callers for respiratory symptoms.| MORE: The best prevention against the coronavirus is still washing your hands. Here’s the proper way to do it |Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement shortly after the death was announced that reads:”Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this death in Placer County. The state is working with federal officials to follow up on contact tracing of individuals that may have been exposed to provide treatment and protect public health.”This case demonstrates the need for continued local, state and federal partnership to identify and slow the spread of this virus. California is working around the clock to keep our communities safe, healthy and informed.”On Tuesday, Placer County officials declared a local health emergency for COVID-19 to “ensure public health professionals have all necessary tools at their disposal.”“As a result of our ongoing investigation, I no longer believe that the risk to the general public from COVID-19 in Placer County is low. As health officer, I urge Placer County residents to be vigilant and to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19,” Sisson said.Similar to other viral infections, coronavirus is spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Stay with KCRA 3 for the latest.
Placer County health officials have confirmed the first coronavirus death in California.
The person who died was an elderly adult who had underlying health conditions, health officials said.
“This death represents the first death in the state of California from COVID-19 and marks a tragic milestone for our community,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson.
“While we expected more COVID-19 cases, and eventually deaths, this death in our second case is a sobering reminder that while the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 worldwide have been mild, older persons and persons with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious disease.”
>> WATCH Dr. Aimee Sisson speak about the first coronavirus death in California in the video player above
The person tested presumptively positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, and officials believe they may have been exposed sometime between Feb. 11 to Feb. 21 during international travel on a Princess cruise ship that departed from San Francisco to Mexico.
| MORE: Coronavirus by the Numbers: California and beyond |
They developed coronavirus symptoms while on the cruise. At least one other passenger tested presumptively positive as well, according to Sisson.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Princess Cruises are working to notify passengers of their possible exposure. Placer County health officials are asking any locals who were passengers to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution.
Health officials say the person had minimal community exposure after returning from the cruise and going to the hospital.
The person arrived at Kaiser Permanente Roseville on Feb. 27 and was in isolation after testing positive.
Sisson said the patient died Wednesday morning.
Ten health care workers and five emergency responders who were exposed to the patient are now in quarantine, officials said.
Those who are quarantined do not have symptoms but are being monitored.
“Some of these employees did have contact with the public after being exposed to the confirmed case, but because they had no symptoms during that time and remain without symptoms, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to the public based on exposure to these asymptomatic workers is very low, if any,” Sisson said.
Sisson said that moving forward, to prevent potential exposure to first responders, Placer County Public Health has advised local 911 dispatch to screen callers for respiratory symptoms.
| MORE: The best prevention against the coronavirus is still washing your hands. Here’s the proper way to do it |
Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement shortly after the death was announced that reads:
“Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this death in Placer County. The state is working with federal officials to follow up on contact tracing of individuals that may have been exposed to provide treatment and protect public health.
“This case demonstrates the need for continued local, state and federal partnership to identify and slow the spread of this virus. California is working around the clock to keep our communities safe, healthy and informed.”
On Tuesday, Placer County officials declared a local health emergency for COVID-19 to “ensure public health professionals have all necessary tools at their disposal.”
“As a result of our ongoing investigation, I no longer believe that the risk to the general public from COVID-19 in Placer County is low. As health officer, I urge Placer County residents to be vigilant and to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19,” Sisson said.
Similar to other viral infections, coronavirus is spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Stay with KCRA 3 for the latest.
