Officials in California have traced an outbreak of COVID-19 to a birthday party that took place after the lockdown order was issued. The...
Officials in California have traced an outbreak of COVID-19 to a birthday party that took place after the lockdown order was issued.
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) said that a disease investigation team discovered more than five laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases and many more ill individuals who were linked to the gathering in the Los Angeles County area.
PPHD said the celebration was attended by a large number of extended family members and friends and the first person identified with the disease, was coughing and not wearing a face covering at the event.
The PPHD said in the announcement on Saturday that guests were also not wearing face coverings or practicing social distancing.
The Pasadena Public Health Department said that a disease investigation team discovered more than five lab-confirmed coronavirus cases and many more ill from the gathering. An aerial view shows vacant residential neighborhood streets near the Rose Bowl stadium as coronavirus infections accelerate on April 8 in Pasadena, California
The PPHD did not state what date the party occurred but California's shutdown began mid-March.
In a warning to families in time for the Mother's Day holiday, they advised loved ones not to break social distancing rules by getting together from different households.
The PPHD said that as a result of the close contact, COVID-19 spread among attendees.
But they also used the outbreak as an example of how contact tracing done well can help clamp down on the deadly disease.
'This is an example of how good contact tracing can identify disease clusters and tell us more about the spread of disease in our community,' PPHD epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Feaster said.
'We're grateful to our large team of public health nurses, case investigators, and contact tracers who help track the virus and prevent the disease from spreading to other members of our community.'
In California there have been more than 65,500 cases and more than 2,600 deaths from coronavirus.
The individuals were linked to a birthday party gathering that occurred after the Safer at Home order came into effect in California. An empty Old Town along Colorado Blvd is pictured on April 29
Officials are still asking people to practice social distancing. Joggers, walkers and bicyclists enjoy the outdoors around Brookside golf course and the Rose Bowl while trying to social distance during the coronavirus pandemic in Pasadena on March 28
California was among the first to go into lockdown with some of the strictest measures in the country.
But with a secondary infection rate of 0.83, the state appears to have successfully slowed the spread of the virus and is partially re-opening.
Essential surgeries are now being allowed in California. Some businesses have been able to reopen such as clothing, sporting goods, florists and other retailer stores for curbside pickup.
It is still recommended that those with underlying medical conditions and those ages 65 and older do not participate in any interactions however.
There's still an indefinite stay-at-home order and gatherings in a single location are prohibited.
Dining in at restaurants is still prohibited and only takeout is available. Nonessential businesses must still run only a minimal operation or work remotely. Offices are to remain closed.
Some counties will allow construction to restart and others have ignored advice and reopened.
Pasadena has been inviting all residents, even those with mild symptoms, to get tested for the virus by making an appointment at the Rose Bowl
'Pasadena residents who stay home keep themselves and their loved ones protected from COVID-19,' said Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, director and health officer of PPHD. 'Although we are moving forward with small modifications to the Safer at Home Order, gatherings of people who do not live in the same household are still prohibited.
'The virus remains highly contagious. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing face coverings remain our best defenses against the further spread of COVID-19 in our community.'
Pasadena has been inviting all residents, even those with mild symptoms, to get tested for the virus by making an appointment at the Rose Bowl or ChapCare's Kathryn Barger Health Center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that symptoms can include fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
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