New coronavirus cases in Merced County leap by 12 infections, total now 52
Merced County saw its biggest leap yet in confirmed coronavirus cases Thursday as 12 additional residents tested positive for the infection, according to County Department of Public Health.
Less than three weeks after the first case was reported on March 22, the total number of cases now stand at 52.
The county reported that 10 of the new cases were healthcare workers from Sutter Health Rural Health Clinic in Los Banos.
The western side of the county accounts for 28 of the total cases, while the eastern side has 24 cases.
Ten of the new cases are individuals between age 18 to 49, according to County Public Health. The other two new cases are residents between age 50 to 64.
Five additional individuals have now recovered from the disease, tallying eight recoveries in all. A recovery is defined as being symptom free with no medication for 72 hours.
Deaths related to COVID-19 remain at three. Two men, one under age 65 and one over, as well as one woman over 65 are among the dead in Merced County.
The deceased man under age 65 had underlying health conditions, according to County Public Health. Information about the health status of the other two deceased residents has not yet been released.
As of Thursday, in California there were 19,131 confirmed coronavirus cases and 552 deaths.
Merced County Public Health this week issued multiple increasingly strict health orders in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Residents are also advised to wear cloth face masks in public.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM with the headline "New coronavirus cases in Merced County leap by 12 infections, total now 52."
