BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Butte County Public Health (BCH) has recently identified over 15 new COVID-19 cases among people ages 18-24 in an apartment complex in Chico near the University campus. One of the infected persons has been linked to second outbreak that occurred at a workplace.

BCPH releases this information to remain transparent about the COVID-19 response in Butte County and to remind residents, especially those ages 18-24, how quickly COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person.  All Butte County residents are urged to practice physical distancing and adhere to face covering requirements to minimize spread and help Butte County get off the State’s monitoring list.  

BCPH reports all outbreaks to the California Department of Public Health.  When a business or housing complex is involved, BCPH informs and works with housing managers and employers to minimize further spread of the virus.

COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person who are in close contact (within 6 feet) for 15 minutes or more, especially those who are not wearing a face covering. Close contact includes direct physical contact, such as hugging and kissing or contact with respiratory secretions, such as a coughing or sneezing.

People living in multi-unit housing complexes are urged to wear face coverings at all times when in common areas and to avoid gathering within 6 feet of others who do not live in their immediate unit, especially in community areas such as fitness centers, pools and barbeque areas. 

Anyone who has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is being tested, should self-quarantine for 14 days from the last day of exposure and monitor themselves for symptoms. Be alert for symptoms of dry cough, shortness of breath and a fever. Additional COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fatigue; Muscle or body aches; Headache; New loss of taste or smell; Sore throat; Congestion or runny nose; Nausea or vomiting; Diarrhea.

If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or one of the testing location in Butte County. View a list of testing locations in Butte County: www.buttecounty.net/ph/COVID19/Testing

Learn more about COVID-19 in Butte County: www.buttecounty.net/COVID-19