The County Public Health Department has issued new information on the local COVID-19 situation.
As of Monday morning there have been a total of 368 positive test results for the virus and 218 are considered active , 141 have recovered and the death toll stayed at 9.
During a Monday press conference , County Health Officer Dr. Stephan Munday said that the local health department lab is now able to test for the coronavirus and could test up to 75 samples per day. Dr. Munday also said that off-site testing by a state-contracted company will begin tomorrow at the Plaza de la Cultura Building on the California Mid-Winter Fairgrounds. The off-site center will be able to process up to 132 individuals per day and have results in 2 - 3 days. The testing will initially be for individuals that have been identified as having contact with positive COVID-19 patients , people in congregate living facilities and correctional institutions , hospitalized patients and health care workers. Dr. Munday said that with increased numbers of testing you can expect to see an increased number of positive results.
Imperial County Chief Executive Officer Tony Rouhotas addressed the City of El Centro's announcement that they would begin lifting some restrictions on the stay-at-home orders and allowing certain businesses to begin reopening by saying that he has requested a meeting with city officials to discuss the issue. Rouhotas and Dr. Munday both said that the the state is still operating under Governor Newsom's Stay-at-Home order as well as the Imperial County orders that reflect that order.