Coronavirus: California monitoring more than 8,000 people as number of cases soar

California governor Gavin Newsom says more than 8,000 people in the state are being monitored for coronavirus infections.

There are have been 33 confirmed cases of the flu-like respiratory illness in the state, including what is likely the first confirmed infection in a patient who was infected through "community spread" and didn't come into direct contact with another patient, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The governor confirmed that 8,400 California residents are being medically monitored for novel coronavirus COVID-19 in 49 local jurisdictions.

While more than 800 people have flown into the state via government-sanctioned evacuations following the outbreak in China, thousands of other passengers landed in California through traditional travel.

Officials also have told several school districts to prepare for potential outbreaks.

The governor said his administration is in "constant contact" with federal agencies as it responds to the virus.

"We're meeting this moment", he said. "We're not overreacting nor are we under-reacting. At the same time, [there is] no better resourced state in America to address this issue head-on."

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