Public health officials say they expect test results back early next week confirming whether or not a Del Norte County resident is positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, though immediate risk to local residents continues to be low, health officials say people should call their healthcare provider if they have concerns, Melody Cannon-Cutts, Del Norte Public Health Branch’s program manager, told the Wild Rivers Outpost on Friday.

A Del Norte County resident presented herself to a local healthcare facility with symptoms of COVID-19, according to a joint news release between the Public Health Branch and the Del Norte Office of Emergency Services.

“Obviously the client felt that there was some concern and that client is currently being tested,” Cannon-Cutts told the Outpost. “There’s been no confirmation.”

COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the news release. Older residents and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable to COVID-19

According to Cannon-Cutts, local health and emergency officials feel the risk is low to the community at large because they’re following the protocols released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health.

The individual is currently being treated in a controlled environment, according to the news release. Health officials offered no further details about the patient Friday to protect their privacy.

People should take the following steps to prevent the spread of any respiratory illness including COVID-19. This includes washing hands with liquid soap and water, rubbing for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitizer of at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water aren’t immediately available.

People should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their sleeve when coughing or sneezing; staying home if they’re sick; regularly cleaning surfaces touched by many people and practicing social distancing measures, including reducing interaction with large groups and crowds.

People with questions or concerns can call the Del Norte County Public Health Branch at (707) 464-0861 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or (707) 464-3191 after hours.

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