SAN DIEGO — Two health workers at UC San Diego Health have tested positive for novel coronavirus, COVID-19, because of exposure and infection in the community, officials said today.
"Both are recuperating at home and doing well," a statement said. "UC San Diego Health has launched an extensive effort to identify any patients or health system colleagues who may have been in recent contact with either of the two health workers. We are in constant communication with appropriate public health and regulatory agencies."
Both infected health workers sought medical assessment after exhibiting key respiratory symptoms, and were tested, UCSD Health said.
Read the complete statement from UCSD Health here.
Meanwhile, a sailor from Naval Base San Diego was tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, the Navy announced Saturday.
The sailor is quarantined at home and the test result is pending confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Navy said the sailor had close contact with certain people, and they have been notified and are in home isolation.
Also on Saturday, a second Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar tested positive for COVID-19 and is being isolated and receiving aid on the base, officials said.
Another Marine who was stationed at MCAS Miramar tested positive for the virus after visiting family in Washington state.
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.
