The number of deaths from COVID-19 in Stanislaus County grew to four on Monday, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency reported.

The County's third and fourth deaths were of a man and a woman who both had underlying health conditions, according to the health department. On Saturday the health department announced an adult woman with ongoing medical issues died from COVID-19. The County's first death was of a male adult with underlying health conditions and was reported on Friday.

Stanislaus County had 163 positive cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday night, 77 of whom have recovered and 41 hospitalized.

The primary form of transmission in Stanislaus County is direct contact with an infected person, typically in the same household, said Stanislaus County Public Health Director Dr. Julie Vaishampayan. Of the 163 cases, 85 were infected through direct contact, 60 were from community transmission and 13 were travel-related. Five cases are under investigation.

Modesto has the most cases, with 67, followed by the unincorporated parts of the county at 26. Ceres has 20 cases and Patterson and Turlock each have 12 cases. Newman has seven cases, Riverbank six and Waterford five. Oakdale and Hughson each have between one to four cases, but the health department has not specified how many for each city.

Of the 163 cases, 90 were male and 73 were female. Seven were in children up to 17 years old; 90 among 18 to 49-year olds; 39 in 50 to 64-year olds; and 27 in people over 65 years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the most common symptoms of COVID-19 as fever, dry cough, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches and shortness of breath.

Severe cases of COVID-19 might experience difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your healthcare provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

As Stanislaus County Public Health continues to work with the Emergency Operation Center in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic locally, it is critical that individuals and organizations take critical steps in slowing the spread of the virus by following all applicable guidance and recommendations, including:

·       Practice social distancing which means stay at least 6 feet away from others.

·       Avoid ALL non-essential activities that involve close contact with the general public

·       Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for at least 20 seconds

·       Limit close contact with people who are sick. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from someone who is sick

·       Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

·       Do not share objects such as utensils, cups, food, and drink

People can receive updates about COVID-19 in Stanislaus County by texting STANCOVID19 (all caps) to 888777 to receive updates from the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services.