Cruise Ship Traveler Brings First Case of Covid-19 to Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz, CA…Santa Cruz County Public Health officials announced the first case of COVID-19 in the County. This case came from a cruise ship traveler and was not from community spread.

Santa Cruz County Public Health is coordinating a thorough investigation with state and federal partners. We continue to partner with regional agencies to plan ahead for an expected expansion of the virus throughout California and the nation. These efforts include assuring an effective community-wide response to any future cases by initiating coordination with hospitals, clinics and providers; identifying resources needed to treat patients and limit disease transmission; and reviewing pandemic preparedness plans. We are committed to preventing the spread of coronavirus in the community. Any risk assessments are based on travel history and contacts, not race, ethnicity, or culture.

March 7, 2020: COVID-19 Press Conference
Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel and HSA Director Mimi Hall conducted a press conference announcing the current status of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak.