Sierra View Medical Center announces first COVID-19 inpatient case; First COVID-19 case in Tulare County makes a full recovery

Porterville, CA March 26, 2020: Tulare County’s first official COVID-19 case was confirmed upon a specimen collection at Sierra View Medical Center (SVMC) on March 11, 2020. The patient has now fully recovered.

First SVMC COVID-19 Inpatient Case:

Tulare County Health and Human Services Public Health Department (TCHHSA), Sierra View Medical Center (SVMC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have confirmed the first positive COVID-19 inpatient case for Sierra View Medical Center. The individual is currently in critical condition and in isolation at SVMC. All employees and physicians in contact with the patient are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Where did the transmission of this case take place?

It is believed the transmission took place through travel outside of the U.S.

When were the results confirmed that the patient tested positive for COVID-19?

The patient tested positive for COVID-19 on March 25, 2020.

How many employees and/ or community members did the patient come in to contact with?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), CDPH, and local health authorities are working closely with SVMC to investigate any further possible exposure.

Sierra View Medical Center will continue to share COVID-19 information and regular updates with the community on its website at www.sierra-view.com, and on its social media accounts.

Patients and visitors may call ahead to learn about COVID-19 visitor precautions. The phone number to the hotline, available in English and Spanish, is 559-791-3707.

Sierra View Medical Center is working around the clock to stay on top of the evolving COVID-19 situation to ensure both excellent patient care as well as family and visitor safety and to help comply with state-wide directives.

For more information on COVID-19 please visit cdc.gov or sierra-view.com. For local updates, please visit tchhsa.org or call 2-1-1 which will place you in contact with someone from Public Health.