Mayor updates community on COVID-19

To date, no confirmed cases in Gilroy, Morgan Hill or San Martin

By Staff Report

During this time with people in the South Valley dealing with the coronavirus’s impact on the community, there can be confusion in the information going out to the public.

During the questions and answer session of the March 7 State of the City Address at the Gilroy City Council Chambers, Mayor Roland Velasco took a phone call from interim city administrator Jimmy Forbis and soon after told the attendees Gilroy had its first patient “confirmed” with the coronavirus. This status changed the next day.

In his Facebook posting on Sunday, March 8, Velasco wrote:

“A representative for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) working with the Santa Clara County Health Department contacted the Gilroy Fire Department to inform them that a patient, previously identified as testing positive for COVID-19, is now confirmed as testing NEGATIVE for the disease.

“Due to the negative test result, the Gilroy Fire crew, which had been placed under medical surveillance following the possible exposure to this patient, has been released from surveillance.

“The city of Gilroy continues to work closely with the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, the Santa Clara County EMS Agency, and the CDC as part of standard protocol to monitor and respond to this ongoing and dynamic situation.

“We remain committed to the health and safety of you and your family and out of an abundance of caution the city will continue to evaluate all city programs and public events to ensure compliance with the latest recommendations from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health and CDC. More information will be provided including a public advisory by this coming Monday afternoon. In the meantime, all residents are advised to continue following the Public Health’s proactive steps to protect your health and that of the community:

• Stay home if you feel sick

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available

• Avoid close contact with other people

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue

“Please visit the webpages for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the CDC for up to date reliable information regarding this ongoing situation.”