CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Steve Padilla announced on Saturday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is "doing well and back home". The current Chula Vista district 3 councilmember issued his statement saying he is self-isolating but is still working remotely to serve the City of Chula Vista.
This is believed to be the first positive case announced in San Diego for a government official.
"This is a scary time. My symptoms– fever, body aches, headaches, chills – came on very rapidly," he said.
He said that his main concern now if for the well-being of others he may have come in contact with while contagious. "My friends and family have been informed and are taking the necessary steps—but it’s my duty to be transparent for the entire community. I must be mindful of all I’ve come in contact with in my service as your Councilman and Coastal Commissioner."
He reminds everyone to follow the CDC guidelines and keep a safe distance, wash hands, and look out for the elderly most at risk.
As a lifelong Chula Vistan, former Police Detective and former Mayor of Chula Vista his focus remained on his community and the importance of caring and looking out for one another.
BACKGROUND:
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
The CDC also says facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of the virus. If you’re not sick, you do not have to wear a facemask. The CDC says the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low.
