BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - On Tuesday, Butte County Public Health confirmed 120 new cases -- tying the record that was set just four days ago.
In the video player, reporter Esteban Reynoso explains in May the county had hardly any positive cases, June was similar, but as time progresses, we get to Tuesday's single-day total of 120 positive cases.
Health officials in the county say one of the most difficult things is tracking down where those positive tests come from.
"So a typical positive COVID-19 person is typically identified with 10 close contacts," said Butte County Public Health Communications Manager, Lisa Almaguer.
With such a high number of cases, the task of coraling coronavirus becomes nearly unfeasible.
"For example, yesterday [Monday] we had 178 cases if all of those people had 10 contacts," explained Almaguer. "You're looking at over 1,700 people that would need to be contacted. So it's impossible to contact everyone."
And that makes the majority of people in Butte County fearful.
"It kind of doesn't surprise me that numbers have gone up, but I hope it does get better," said Chico resident, Ashley Carnagey.
"It is worrisome, it's very difficult, and we're taking precautions," said Richard Piper. "But I still think it's going to continue to get worse and spread."
Some say even though young adults are getting the virus the most, they're scared of who they pass it on to.
"Why, why? Because they're going to be there too, in a confined spot," said a concerned local.
Although others arent quite as scared despite their age -- "I'm not very fearful of it. I was young once myself, and you gotta have fun. The virus is an advert thing we all have to handle," said Don Richier.
But others say their age is exactly why they're scared.
"Being 83 I feel very vulnerable," said Piper. "I tell people I've lived a lot longer than I expected, but not as long as I want too."
Butte County has a total of 2,146 coronavirus cases. Click here for continuing coronavirus coverage.