Utah Man Quarantined In California Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Feb 25, 2020, 7:03 PM | Updated: Feb 26, 2020, 11:30 pm

Jerri and Mark Jorgensen, from St. George, were among the thousands quarantined on a cruise ship in...

Jerri and Mark Jorgensen, from St. George, were among the thousands quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan. (Jorgensen Family)

(Jorgensen Family)

FAIRFIELD, Calif. – A Utah man quarantined at Travis Air Force Base in California has tested positive for COVID-19.

St. George resident Mark Jorgensen confirmed his diagnosis on Facebook Tuesday night and said he will be transferred to a local hospital within a few hours.

Jorgensen said his temperature was normal and he was not showing any other symptoms.

“A couple doctors came to my door and said ‘sorry to tell you this but you are positive’ and I was blown away,” Mark Jorgensen said.

Jorgensen was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital where he will spend an unforeseen amount of time quarantined.

“I don’t want to think about three weeks here in this room but if that’s what I am ending up having to do, that’s what I will do,” he said.

Jorgensen will be tested for COVID-19 daily and will need two negative results in a row to be released from the hospital.

On Monday, Jorgensen said his wife, Jerri Jorgensen, had another positive test for the virus in a Facebook video.

He said officials had told him his wife would need two-consecutive negative tests before being released and the earliest day she could be released was March 4.

Jerri Jorgensen was one of hundreds of passengers on a Diamond Princess cruise ship taken to a Japanese hospital after testing positive for the virus.

Mark Jorgensen and Tooele resident Melanie Haering left Japan on an emergency flight on Feb. 15.

The two Utah couples were traveling on the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama, Japan, due to a virus outbreak on the ship.

Jerri Jorgensen and Melanie’s husband, John Haering, were still quarantined in Japan as of Tuesday. 

John Haering received his first negative test since being diagnosed with the virus.

KSL 5 TV Live

Traffic halted on northbound I-15 in Draper after a fatal crash on Feb. 6, 2025....

Jacob Freeman

One dead after I-15 rollover near Point of the Mountain

One person is dead following a rollover accident on Interstate 15 near Point of the Mountain.

29 minutes ago

The Utah State Capitol stands in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session on Tues...

Daniel Woodruff

No compromise: Utah Senate gives final approval to original version of labor union bill

The Utah Senate voted 16-13 to pass a controversial bill that bans collective bargaining for public sector unions.

31 minutes ago

Jeff Kauffmann and other union members wait to hear discussion and voting on HB267...

Caitlyn Keith, Deseret News

Public labor union bill back to a complete ban on collective bargaining

After multiple changes were made to one of the most controversial bills of the 2025 legislative session, the latest House version of a public labor unions bill would once again completely prohibit public sector collective bargaining.

1 hour ago

Art displays draw attention to women's heart disease. (KSL TV)...

Karah Brackin

Art display brings attention to women’s heart disease

Acid reflux, the flu, or aging: These can be misconceptions about what is really going on, which is much more severe.

1 hour ago

FILE – Weber County Sheriff's Office vehicle. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)...

Jacob Freeman

Woman dead after head-on crash in Weber County

A woman was killed and another driver was injured after a head-on crash on Highway 158 near Eden in Weber County Wednesday evening.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Report: NHL Insider Shares Utah Hockey Club’s Potential Deadline, Summer Plans

NHL Insider David Pagnotta recently provided insight on what the Utah Hockey Club plans to do ahead of the trade deadline.

2 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah Man Quarantined In California Tests Positive For Coronavirus