Kings County's state prisons fuel jump in COVID-19 cases as officials confirm fifth death

By The Leader Staff
Kings County's state prisons fuel jump in COVID-19 cases as officials confirm fifth death

The Kings County Public Health Department (KCDPH) confirmed 376 new cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Sunday night, the majority of the new cases (373) coming from the county’s two state prisons in Avenal and Corcoran.

The total number of cases connected to Kings County’s two prisons (619) has outstripped the county’s 503 cases for the first time.

Kings County health officials also confirmed the county’s fifth death from COVID-19. According to the KCDPH, the latest fatality was an individual between the ages of 50-64 years old.

The multitude of new cases pushed the county’s total confirmed cases to 1,122. In California, state health officials reported 110,583 confirmed cases and 4,213 deaths. So far, there have been 1,944,848 tests conducted in the state.

“The County extends our deepest sympathies to the loved ones during this time of loss,” said KCDPH Director Edward Hill. “COVID-19 impacts people of all ages and reminds us of how diligent we need to remain and the steps we need to continue to slow the spread of disease. We continue to urge people to practice physical distancing, stay away from those who are ill, and wear face coverings.”

KCDPH has determined that 373 of the new cases contracted the disease through close contact with a confirmed case. The exposure of the additional three remaining new cases is still under investigation. Of the total active cases, 15 are being treated in isolation, and all other cases have been quarantined. KCDPH has also identified ten previously identified cases that have fully recovered from the disease.

The below list depicts the current situation in Kings County: 

Total Kings County Cases (non-correctional) : 503

Total Cases Associated to State Operated Correctional Facilities in Kings County: 619

  • 3 (Travel Related)
  • 875 (Close Contact)
  • 71 (Community Transmission)
  • 173 (Under Investigation) 
  • Total Deaths: 5

Recovered: 304

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.

 

Kings County's state prisons fuel jump in COVID-19 cases as officials confirm fifth death

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