CDC confirms new coronavirus case in NorCal; origin remains unknown
The Center for Disease Control confirmed there is a new coronavirus case in California, however, this may be the first case in the United States without a known link to travel abroad.
"The individual has no known exposure to the virus through travel or close contact with a known infected individual," reads a notice from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office.
The patient is a resident of Solona County, located between Napa and Sacramento. They are receiving medical treatment in Sacramento County, according to Gov. Newsom's office.
"At this time, the patient's exposure is unknown. It's possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19, which would be the first time this has happened in the United States. Community spread means spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. It's also possible, however, that the patient may have been exposed to a returned traveler who was infected," the CDC explained in their statement.
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The CDC's announcement comes just a few hours removed from President Trump's news conference on coronavirus preparedness.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday placed Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the US government response to the novel coronavirus, amid growing criticism of the White House's handling of the outbreak.
At a wide-ranging White House news conference, the President defended the White House's response, stressing the administration's ongoing efforts and resources devoted to combat the virus.
"Because of all we've done, the risk to the American people remains very low," Trump said.
Wednesday afternoon, Orange County officials declared a local
health emergency in response to the coronavirus, joining San Diego County and the city of San Francisco.
There have been no reported cases in Riverside County, however, a county resident tested positive out of the area and is being treated in Northern California.
