The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department held a LIVE press conference today at 11:30am to address what is happening with COVID-19 in our region.
James Williams, the County Counsel for Santa Clara came up to speak. He spoke of the need to take “calm, thoughtful, and aggressive steps.”
At the conference, Dr. Sara Cody confirmed that, as of this morning, there are 79 COVID-19 cases in Santa Clara County.
“Based on these data and patterns of disease we see around the world, we know that the outbreak of COVID-19 in our county will continue to accelerate and we anticipate many new cases in the weeks to come,” said Dr. Cody.
She also spoke of the County’s new banning of large gatherings of 100 or more people, which will be effective at midnight.
The order also has 5 conditions for gatherings of 35-100 people. People must ensure that at these events, there is the ability to keep people at least 6 feet from one another. Event organizers must also ensure there is hand sanitation available at the venue, and that steps have been taken to discourage anyone sick from attending. Also, organizers hosting events that require payment should allow for people to cancel. They must also follow guidelines for cleaning — before, during, and after the event. Exact guidelines will be up on the County website soon.
County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dean also announced that all public schools in Santa Clara County — which includes Milpitas — will be closing on March 16, 2020, and remain closed until April 3, 2020.
“We believe these actions are necessary to protect the well being of our community during one of the most historic public health challenges of our time,” said Dr. Cody.
At the press conference, officials also mentioned the importance of social distancing, washing hands, and isolating oneself from others, if sick. They also mentioned that the public should refrain from panicking or hoarding items.
For more info from the County, go here.
