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

The Kings County Board of Supervisors Tuesday (March 31) issued an order directing residents to shelter in place effective immediately. This order arrived shortly before Kings County Department of Health (KCDPH) officials confirmed its fifth case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). All individuals currently living within the County are ordered to shelter at their homes.

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: