Possible local coronavirus cases reported

According to the epidemiological surveillance report in Baja California, there have been 14 suspected cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), of which 10 have been discounted and four are awaiting the results from the State Public Health Laboratory.

Of the four cases currently under review, three are from Mexicali and one is from Tijuana.

State Secretary of Public Health Alonso Óscar Pérez Rico said COVID-19 has shown to have a greater effect on older adults, so it is vitally important that this age group take more precautions.

However, the general population should always apply basic preventive measures.

Health Services Director Sandra Martínez Lobatos said the state has provided training in the four health jurisdictions to medical colleges, private clinic staff, government institutions, professional associations, the business sector, nonprofit organizations, public and private schools, transit companies, religious organizations, rehabilitation centers, agricultural associations, and shops and businesses.

State Chief of Epidemiology Óscar Efrén Zazueta Fierro said the operational definition of a suspected case of COVID-19 is when a person of any age has, up to 14 days before the onset of symptoms, has been in contact with a confirmed or investigated case of COVID-19 or has recently traveled to countries with local community transmission of COVID-19, such as China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, Singapore, France, Germany, Spain and the United States.