Latest numbers show 16 positive cases of COVID-19 in San Luis Obispo County
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - There are now 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Luis Obispo County.
At the county's daily press briefing Friday, Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein announced the new number, three more than was reported a day earlier.
She added seven cases are individuals that reside in the North County, five in South County, three on the coast and one new case in the center part of the county.
Nine of the individuals are 65-years-old or older, with the remaining seven between the ages of 19-64.
In addition, she updated the number of tests performed in the county.
As of Friday, the county has performed 261 tests, while an additional 282 have been conducted through a private lab.
Dr. Borenstein mentioned the private lab number included an unspecified amount from Santa Maria.
She added modeling is showing there could be a doubling of positive tests every three-to-five days.
"When we start to hit 25, 50 and 100, that would not be alarming," said Dr. Borenstein. "It is good news if we can get more testing out there and more people identified and more people committed to staying at home with their illness and notifying their contacts, then we will have a better picture locally of what's going on in our community."
San Luis Obispo County Administrative Officer Wade Horton also made a series of announcements during the briefing.
He first pointed out the county's shelter at home order remains in effect, along with Governor Gavin Newsom's stay at home order, which was placed last night.
Horton said until there is further clarity, all businesses and services outlined by the county in its order will remain open.
He also pointed out no resident who is being directly impacting the by the ongoing crisis will be evicted from their home.
The county is also working to create childcare for first responders and critical healthcare and essential workers being impacted.
To help address homeless issues, Horton mentioned the county is in line for a $500,000 allocation to address response needs.
He also said two trailers that could be used for care will be directed towards two local homeless facilities, ECHO in Atascadero and 40 Prado in San Luis Obispo.
Horton also wanted county residents to know if they are experiencing food insecurity, there are available resources to help out.
On Thursday, he mentioned the county was working with SLO Food Bank to help growing concerns.
As the county and nation deals with the unprecedented crisis, there is also concerns about mental health.
For those who are experiencing stress and anxiety, Horton wanted people to know there is a national hotline (800-273-8255) that can be utilized.
For anyone that has any questions or is in need of information about the county's COVID-19 response efforts, they can visit ReadySLO.org.
For more resources related to the coronavirus in San Luis Obispo County, click here.
