Supervisors order public to 'shelter in place immediately' as more cases reported

Health officials say that currently four residents have been quarantined and one resident is being treated in isolation. The KCDPH has determined the case origins of the existing cases to be travel related (2) and close contact with a diagnosed case (3). The KCDPH is currently conducting communicable disease investigations to identify any persons who may have had close personal contact with these individuals, including any friends, family members, or health care professionals, to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness. 

The specifics of the board of supervisors' order will be ratified next week, but in the meantime, the order limits activity, travel, and business functions to only the most basic and essential needs and to avoid congregating for non-essential gatherings.

The guidance comes after the substantial input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the County’s Department of Public Health.

Kings County residents must maintain social distancing at all times. Social distancing is scientifically-proven to be one of the most effective methods to slow the transmission of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19.

We urge our residents not to panic, however, please take this order seriously, as COVID-19 is a real threat to our community. Please adhere to the social distancing of six (6) feet from another person as well as continue to maintain good hygiene practices.

In general, Shelter in Place means stay home. Exceptions are listed below:

• You can shop for groceries, medicine, gas, repairs, and other essential needs.
• You can go to a restaurant for takeout or drive-thru service.
• You can go to the doctor and take care of other essential needs.
• You can go to work in an essential job as defined under federal and state guidance. You can also do business with someone working in an essential job. Find out more at https://covid19.ca.gov/. 
• You can work from home if you work in a job defined by the State as non-essential. Even if it’s an essential job, employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home if possible.
• Staff is allowed onsite even at closed non-essential businesses for basic tasks like maintenance and security.
• You can check on someone in need.
• You can donate at blood drives, volunteer at food banks, and participate in other disaster-response activities.
• Staff can be at faith-based sites to record or broadcast services.
• Stay six (6) feet away from others, for your safety and theirs.
• Wash your hands before you leave your house and as soon as you get home.