By Allen Payton

Following a 1:00 p.m. meeting with the high school principals in the district, Antioch Unified School District Supervisor Stephanie Anello issued the following update on canceling or postponing school activities, Tuesday, March 10, 2020:

Good afternoon,

A short time ago, Contra Costa Health Services issued “Interim Guidance for Social Distancing” in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. It includes the following:

• Cancel or postpone large gatherings such as concerts, sporting events, celebrations, conventions, religious services and community events where 50 or more people are within arm’s length of each other.

• Cancel or postpone events for or attended by older adults or others who are at a higher risk for severe illness.

In accordance with these guidelines and until further notice, all events outside of the school day that may be attended by 50 or more people have been cancelled. Additionally, all schools will consider postponing or cancelling events in which less than 50 ppl are expected in attendance if the event is not essential. Please contact your child’s school should you have any questions.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Anello

County health officials are expected to issue updated guidance Tuesday afternoon following a 2:00 p.m. press conference. Please check this website or cchealth.org/coronavirus.

By Susan Shiu, Director, Contra Costa County Office of Communications and Media

Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution at its Board meeting on March 10, 2020 for a proclamation of a state of emergency in the county to deal with the potential spread of novel coronavirus or COVID-19.

The proclamation states that “this Board found that due to the introduction of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), conditions of disaster or extreme peril to the safety of persons and property did exist in the County of Contra Costa commencing on or about March 3, 2020, and therefore the Board proclaimed the existence of a local emergency throughout this county. These conditions, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this County, and will require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat.”

The proclamation states that “this Board requests the Governor of the State of California to proclaim the County of Contra Costa to be in a state of emergency.”

Board Chair, Supervisor Candace Andersen, said, “The new coronavirus or COVID-19 presents our community with a challenge. While I urge you to be prepared, it is certainly not a time to panic. Following our health officials’ guidelines will help prevent the spread of disease. The County and Contra Costa Health Services will continue to offer guidance and resources. Meanwhile, there is much each and everyone one of us can do to keep our families and communities well. It will take all of us working together.”

The Supervisors emphasized that “everyone plays an important role” as they unanimously voted for a county emergency proclamation that will allow our health department to mobilize county resources, accelerate emergency planning, streamline staffing, coordinate agencies across the county, allow for future reimbursement by the state and federal governments, and raise awareness about how everyone can prepare in the event that COVID-19 begins to spread in our community.

“The County and its health department will continue to work with multiple agencies and jurisdictions to keep residents informed during this local emergency,” said County Administrator David J. Twa. “We will continue to take appropriate steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the public. We encourage everyone to stay prepared.”

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for County Health officials’ latest guidance for the community and resources. For the latest updates, follow Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) on Twitter @CoCoHealth and on CCHS Facebook. Information is also available at www.contracosta.ca.gov.

More events and activities might be cancelled; No cancellations of Deer Valley High’s activities.

Following is a post on the Antioch High School Facebook page on Monday, March 9, 2020:

“A message from Principal Louie Rocha:

‘In light of the potential spread of the Coronavirus 19, Antioch High School is postponing this Friday’s Powder Puff flag football game. It will be rescheduled later this month.

Additionally, the Grad Night Disneyland field trip has been cancelled. It will not be re-scheduled due to health and safety concerns for our graduates attending the theme park with the general public. Antioch High learned today that if Grad Night were to be cancelled at a future date, there would be no refunds available to those who purchased tickets. Class of 2020 students will be notified on the process for receiving a refund for tickets purchased later this week.

Cancellations of school events and activities are difficult. However, when it comes to the best interests of our students and school community, we choose to err on the side of caution. I will continue to update you on any other school activities that may be rescheduled or cancelled.’”

No such announcement has been made by Deer Valley High School, according to the school’s office staff, Tuesday morning.

UPDATE: Superintendent Stephanie Anello said she would be meeting with the district’s high school principals at 1:00 pm today “as the CDPH (California Department of Public Health) just sent out new guidance for ‘social distancing’. I expect a more formalized and coordinated effort of cancellations moving forward,” she said. That update will be posted later on this website.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Board of Supervisors to consider calling for state of emergency in the county at Tuesday meeting

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) confirmed five new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in residents of the county.

Four are being treated at hospitals in Contra Costa. They had no travel history outside the U.S. or known contact with a confirmed case. The fifth patient, who had close contact with another person who previously tested positive for COVID-19, is isolating at home under the guidance of CCHS.

Coronavirus. CDC image.

As of Sunday morning, Contra Costa has nine confirmed cases of novel coronavirus. One patient who tested positive last week remains in a local hospital, while three other previously identified patients who tested positive are also isolating at home. CCHS will not release further details about the patients to protect their medical privacy, including the names of the hospitals where they are being treated.

“The coronavirus is here in our community. As we ramp up our testing, we expect to identify more cases. But there is still a lot we can do to slow down the spread and protect our most vulnerable,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, acting Contra Costa Health Officer.

Last week, CCHS released recommendations for people who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Practicing good public health hygiene remains the best way of avoiding any respiratory disease, including novel coronavirus:

• People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
• Older adults and people with chronic conditions should avoid large gatherings, as they are at higher risk of becoming infected
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
• People who are sick should cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or their elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands
• Masks are for sick people. There is no evidence that wearing masks in public prevents healthy people from getting sick with novel coronavirus

Calls have been placed to Anna Roth, Director and Dr. Chris Farnitano, Health Officer for Contra Costa Health Services and Dr. Samir Shah, Chief Medical Officer for the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center seeking additional information. Dr. Shah was specifically asked in a voicemail when Contra Costa County will become more transparent and share the names of the hospitals where the patients are located as that doesn’t violate HIPAA law, according to other medical professionals.

“We have a presentation to the Board of Supervisors, tomorrow,” said Will Harper, Acting Communications Director for Contra Costa Public Health when reached for comment. “We’ve been asked to give an update with the latest guidance for the community. The board will consider declaring an emergency in the county.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website, “the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule to implement the requirements of HIPAA.”

Furthermore, “A major goal of the Privacy Rule is to ensure that individuals’ health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high quality health care and to protect the public’s health and well-being. The Privacy Rule strikes a balance that permits important uses of information while protecting the privacy of people who seek care and healing.”

However, according to the CDC, “the Privacy Rule permits use and disclosure of protected health information, without an individual’s authorization or permission, for 12 national priority purposes.” One of those is labeled, “Serious Threat to Health or Safety. Covered entities may disclose protected health information that they believe is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to a person or the public, when such disclosure is made to someone they believe can prevent or lessen the threat (including the target of the threat).”

The question is whether or not the HIPAA privacy rule prevents the release of the names of which hospitals patients are being treated so the public can decide whether or not to go to that hospital for treatment.

“We have not announced any hospitals to protect the patient privacy and the operations of the hospital,” said Scott Pauley, Public Information Officer for the CDC. “There’s a very thin line there. That’s policy level and the decisions made are by the hospitals and county health officials.”

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for local information about COVID-19.

Allen Payton contributed to this report. Please check back later for updates.

Schools encouraged to cancel events that attract large crowds, minimize field trips

Issued and posted on the AUSD Facebook page Wednesday afternoon, March 4, 2020.

Important Update from Superintendent Stephanie Anello Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Good afternoon,

Contra Costa Health Services has issued guidance that states they are becoming increasingly concerned about the spread of the Cornonavirus (COVID-19). While there are no known AUSD students or staff that have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is essential that we take common-sense germ-prevention actions.

Coronavirus. CDC image.

• Beginning no later than Friday evening, all hand-to-surface areas (e.g. doorknobs, light switches, counters, desks, etc.) will be disinfected daily.

• All buses will be disinfected daily.

• Additional hand sanitizers have been ordered and will be deployed to all schools once they are received.

• We are ordering electrostatic disinfecting units. However, there may be a delay in the delivery as they are in high demand.

• All schools are encouraged to cancel or restrict events that bring large crowds together as these areas will need to be further disinfected. At this time, we need to focus our resources on adequately disinfecting each space for use during the school day.

• All schools should minimize field trips at this time as the destination may not be fully disinfected.

• All schools are to prominently place the following COVID-19 “Stop the Spread of Germs” posters in every classroom and common area.

• Staff are encouraged to wash hands frequently with soap and water and to encourage students to do the same.

At this time, Contra Costa Health Services is not recommending any school closures. However, we will continue to follow their guidance and will update staff and the greater community should further steps need to be enacted to ensure our students and staff have a healthy and safe learning environment.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Stephanie

Screenshot from KNTV NBC Bay Area of Contra Costa County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Rohan Radhakrishna speaking at the press conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2020

By Allen Payton

Tuesday night, Contra Costa public health officials announced the first positive case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, involving a county resident. The individual is in critical condition and is in medical isolation and completely separated from the general public, according to Contra Costa County Public Health Director Dan Peddycord.

The person tested positive Tuesday afternoon but “had no known travel history and no known contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.” He is an adult man over 18 years old who has underlying health conditions. The patient was admitted to a local hospital on Sunday, March 1 suffering from a respiratory illness.

The county’s public health lab conducted the test, which is expected to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the coming days. The patient, who is being treated at a hospital in the county, had no known travel history and no known contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

CCHS is conducting a thorough investigation to identify anyone who may have had close contact with the patient.

“Contra Costa Health Services is conducting a thorough investigation to identify anyone who may have had contact with the patient before they were isolated,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, County Public Health Medical Director. “This case suggests that coronavirus or COVID-19 may be circulating in Contra Costa County.”

The officials further said it’s time to prepare an to be smart about the virus. Schools and businesses should prepare plans and encourage employees and students to stay home if they are sick. Use hand sanitizer, wash your hands for 20 seconds and often. Do not touch your face and use household cleaners to wipe down surfaces. You should also try to keep distance from people who appear to have a cold or the flu. Avoid shaking hands and try to maintain distance.

Officials would not say in which hospital the latest patient is located.

Asked why the public isn’t being informed what hospital the patient is in, like other counties and states are doing, so they can decide whether they want to go to that hospital or another, Will Harper, Acting Communications Director for Contra Costa Public Health responded, “That concern is understandable but that has to be balanced with the patient’s right to privacy. Our department decided it’s best for the patient’s right to privacy to not share the name of the hospital in which they’re located.”

“The public is being protected when a patient is in the hospital in isolation and separated from other patients and the public,” he added.

CCHS issued a letter on Monday from Contra Costa County Health Services Director Anna Roth and Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano stating, “we expect to see more cases, here in Contra Costa County” and “Now is the time for individuals and families, neighborhoods, community organizations, businesses, schools and all sectors to take steps to be prepared.” They provide a list of “ideas to help get prepared and prevent the spread of the disease now” which can be read, here: COVID19-CCHS Letter-03022020

In addition, Roth and Peddycord issued a Health Alert Update on Friday, Feb. 28 providing direction to healthcare providers in the county. Health-Alert-Coronavirus-CCHS-022820

More Details from Contra Costa Health Services

The novel coronavirus is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. The outbreak began in December, 2019 in Hubei Province, China, but outbreaks are now occurring in other countries around the world. There have been a number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus reported in California.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and public health agencies across the U.S. are monitoring this new disease. Contra Costa Health Services is working closely with its partners and other health systems to track the situation locally.

Most U.S. cases involve international travelers or close contact with someone who has the virus, known as COVID-19. But COVID-19 may now be circulating in Northern California communities including the Bay Area, according to the CDC and CDPH.

Hospitals in the county, including Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers, are screening patients with symptoms for potential exposure to COVID-19. Contra Costa Health Services has sent information about coronavirus to local medical providers, emergency medical services providers, and schools.

As this is an unusual situation, information could change rapidly.

One possible additional case of a county hospital staff member

By Allen Payton

Many residents of Antioch and East County have had questions about the coronavirus. The Herald asked Will Harper, Acting Communications Director for Contra Costa Health Services to provide answers to of them.

First, it’s been said that one of the nurses at the county hospital has contracted the virus and there are now four cases in the county.

“I’m only aware of three cases that were in the county, two of which have been transferred out of our jurisdiction, Contra Costa County,” Harper responded. “Now we only have one at a hospital in the county. I am not aware of any cases that originated in Contra Costa.”

Asked if that patient was at Kaiser Deer Valley, he replied “I wouldn’t identify the hospital where the remaining patient is located.”

“We have had no healthcare workers including nurses that have tested positive for coronavirus,” said Dr. Samir Shah, Chief Medical Officer of the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. “The individual (county hospital staff member) we’re referring to developed upper respiratory symptoms within 24 hours of working with a potential patient with coronavirus. We’ve asked the individual to stay home in self-quarantine for the next 14 days. We are following the CDC guidelines. The tests were sent out earlier this week and our history with the CDC is that we’re getting back results within five to eight days.”

“They’re expanding their abilities to do testing, locally,” he explained. “So, in the near future we’re hoping to have access to testing closer to home for quicker turnaround. There will be an increase in the number of tests being requested from local hospitals.”

“Currently the CDC is determining which tests they will allow to happen based on their protocols and guidelines,” Dr. Shah said. “We can request the test, but they decide whether they’re going to run the test or not. We do this in conjunction with public health and the County Health Officer, Dr. Chris Farnitano.”

Asked why U.C. Davis Medical Center officials issued an announcement about the patient at their hospital and the public in Contra Costa County isn’t being informed which hospitals the patients are located, Harper said the health public information officers in the Bay Area all agreed it would be best for patient confidentiality to not provide that information.

“U.C. Davis executive leadership sent out very detailed information about the patient with coronavirus and hospital staff. It took local hospitals by surprise because we’ve been following strict communication guidelines avoiding individual patient disclosure details,” said Dr. Shah. “Public health controls what information can be offered up.”

Coronavirus. Image by CDC

“From a public reporting standpoint, it’s typically our policy to conform to patient privacy and not disclose patient care information to the public,” he stated. “However, given the level of interest and anxiety in the community, we are reconsidering how we are able to disclose information in a confidential manner that both meets the privacy requirements for the individual while still informing the public. Talking to you, today is part of that change.”

Finally, residents said they had heard there are U.S. Marshals at the county hospital to prevent staff from speaking about the patients with coronavirus there and that the hospital has been fined $250,000 because it had happened, previously.

Since it’s a federal matter, Harper suggested contacting Scott Pauley, the Public Information Officer for the Centers for Disease Control.

When reached for comment, Pauley replied, “No. That has nothing to do with the Marshals’ presence there. They are there to enforce the federal quarantine.”

“When a patient is in federal quarantine process, the Marshals enforce that isolation order to monitor the patient to make sure they don’t leave the hospital,” he said. “This is all part of the federal quarantine orders issued when they returned to the United States.”

“These individuals came from the Diamond Princess cruise ship,” Pauley added.

“I believe we had one U.S. Marshal around the clock, when the patient was here,” Dr. Shah shared.

The Good News

“The good news is that the individual that was brought here from Travis did well, was sent home and no longer requires any more hospital intervention,” he stated.

“While, this is a new virus and we’re still learning more every day, the international experience is that 80% of people who develop symptoms of this don’t require any hospitalization,” Dr. Shah added.

Two patients, who were not infected in Contra Costa, sent from Travis Air Force Base to local hospitals

Coronavirus. CDC image.

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) today confirmed two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in patients being treated at hospitals in the county.

The patients were transported to Contra Costa County early this morning from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County, where some international travelers have been recently quarantined because they may have been exposed to the virus.

The patients, who were among the recent U.S. evacuees from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, are receiving care in Contra Costa due to a lack of space at facilities closer to the base that can properly isolate them to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. While the two patients tested positive for COVID-19, they have yet to show any symptoms of the virus, such as fever and difficulty breathing.

The hospital and public health officials are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH) to ensure the patients receive excellent care and that all procedures are followed to protect the community from COVID-19.

“Our county’s healthcare system is prepared to handle COVID-19,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer. “We have been working with our hospital partners to follow safety protocols to keep patients and healthcare workers safe and minimize the risk of the virus spreading in Contra Costa.”

The patients did not become infected in Contra Costa County. CCHS will not release further details about the patients to protect their medical privacy.

“We’re not identifying the hospitals for privacy,” said Will Harper, the Acting Communications Officer for Contra Costa Public Health

A suspected case of the Novel Coronavirus at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center that had staff concerned about protocols, earlier this month, was of a Martinez woman who had returned from China two days before. But that was confirmed the following week to not be. (See related article).

Asked why the patients were brought here and if they were from Contra Costa County, Dr. Farnitano responded, “the Travis facility is designated by the CDC as a quarantine facility – someone who might have been exposed but doesn’t have symptoms – but they’re not set up to be an isolation facility for people experiencing symptoms. Solano County has maximized its isolation rooms, so they’re reaching out to other, neighboring counties.”

Asked how many isolation rooms there are in the county, he said, “available rooms vary from day to day. Some are used by other patients for other conditions. We have a dozen or so rooms across the various hospitals.”

Asked if we can expect more patients brought to the county, Dr. Farnitano said, “It’s possible, if the tests return from the CDC from the Travis quarantine travelers, we could see more patients that need to be placed in local hospitals.”

“The hospitals we have been working with in the county to be prepared for this, they’re familiarizing their staff with the CDC protocols and procedures to properly protect their staff and patients,” he added.

Asked if people should be concerned, Dr. Farnitano stated, “there’s no vaccine, but most people have very mild cases. It’s the elderly and those with other medical conditions that are most susceptible.”

“The mortality rate seems to be higher than the seasonal flu,” he continued. “But we don’t know how many have symptoms. Most people seem to get just a mild illness.”

“We are working very closely with the CDC, on conference calls with them several times a week and keeping up with their latest recommendations,” Dr. Farnitano stated. “One encouraging sign is we don’t see a lot of children in other countries who are getting the severe symptoms of the disease for the most part,”

The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19, is to practice good hygiene:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
• People who are sick should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
• People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands

Contra Costa residents should contact their healthcare providers if they have symptoms and had close contact with someone with symptoms who traveled in the last 14 days from China.

All travelers to the U.S. from China since Feb. 2 have been asked to self-quarantine under the guidance of their local public health department for 14 days.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to learn more about COVID-19.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.