Hospitalized patient had been on board cruise ship

San Joaquin County Public Health officials announced the county’s first confirmed case of coronavirus on Tuesday.

Officials reported that the individual who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship, but noted the individual had not been on the voyage currently disembarking in Oakland.

“We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19,” Dr. Maggie Park, Interim San Joaquin County Public Health Officer, said in a statement Tuesday.

Neighboring Calaveras County also reported its first two cases of coronavirus on Tuesday.

The infected San Joaquin County resident is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment, according to Krista Dommer, a spokeswoman for the county health department. She declined to say if the patient is being treated a local hospital.

Officials have interviewed the infected individual and have initiated a contacttracing investigation. Health officials are working to establish a detailed travel history with the patient and identify all persons they have come in contact with, and individuals who may have experienced some level of exposure to the virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and may appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.

All exposed individuals will be assessed for further testing and monitoring. Public health officials will continue to monitor contacts after testing, Dommer said.

“Should one of these contacts develop symptoms, they will be instructed to immediately contact public health workers, who will help arrange a medical evaluation,” she said.

Officials declined to discuss further details about this case due to patient privacy concerns.

“As information about COVID-19 evolves, we will update the community,” Dommer said.

Late Tuesday afternoon, University of the Pacific Interim President Maria Pallavicini sent out a school-wide email announcing the university had received an unconfirmed report that a worker at its March Lane office building in Stockton had tested positive for the coronavirus and was quarantined.

Pallavicini said the worker was not affiliated with the university, and added that health officials have not substantiated the report, nor have they given any indication that the March Lane building is connected in any way to the case confirmed on Tuesday.

All Pacific employees who were working at the office are now working remotely, she said.

All hospitals within the county are coordinating with public health staff to determine if patients display symptoms of COVID19.

“As always, the health and safety of our residents are of utmost importance to us. Public Health Services has been planning, preparing and has protocols in place that we follow accordingly,” Park said.

The CDC recommends avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and staying home if you are sick.

Amid public health fears, Park recommends individuals refrain from touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. She also suggests using an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a mask unless a person is ill or a health care worker.

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you develop symptoms, contact your primary care provider or San Joaquin County Public Health Services at 209-4683822.