YUCAIPA – (INT) – Health professionals have launched an all out effort to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 at two nursing facilities in Yucaipa.

Twelve individuals at one tested positive Saturday and a resident of another has symptoms of the virus.

Officials have not identified either of the facilities, but said that immediate testing is underway.

An 89-year-old woman with underlying health issues who had contracted COVID-19 and died from the illness on Thursday was a resident of the facility at which the 12 individuals tested positive Saturday.

“This is the first instance we have had in our county of a concentrated COVID-19 outbreak,” said Acting County Health Officer Dr. Erin Gustafson. “The county will do everything within its ability and authority to minimize the tragedy this pandemic has the potential to create in our communities. We are testing residents and staff of the facilities and working with the California Department of Health (CDPH) Healthcare Associated Infections branch.”

Story Date: April 1, 2020