Wednesday, Ventura County officials presumptively confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in the county and are awaiting confirmation from the CDC. According to Ventura County Public Health, the patient involved in this second case recently returned from a trip to Italy and is now under home quarantine.

This case represents the second travel related case of COVID-19 to emerge in Ventura County. There are currently no confirmed cases involving community transmission, which would result from the spread of the virus through the community rather than through travel to places with outbreaks.

Both the CDC and Ventura County Public Health recommend that individuals take steps to prevent any possible spread of COVID-19 within the community. Recommendations include regularly washing hands thoroughly with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing, blowing one’s nose or being in public areas. Both agencies also recommend generally avoiding close contact with sick individuals and large gatherings of people.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on March 11, suspending travel from 26 European countries to the United States for a period of 30 days. The restrictions are scheduled to start Friday, March 13 at midnight and would specifically apply to non-citizens who have been physically inside the Schengen Area within any of the 14 days preceding their travel to the US.

The Schengen Area refers to the 26 European countries that have abolished passport and customs controls between one another, and includes Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, France and Spain. The United Kingdom, however, is excluded from the ban as it is not part of the Schengen Area.

For anyone that may be at risk to COVID-19, the CDC and Ventura County Public Health both recommend staying at home, avoiding contact with other individuals and calling ahead to their medical provider before seeking medical attention so the proper precautions can take place.