Los Angeles–The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Board) and the Department of Public Health (Public Health) declared a local and public health emergency in response to increased spread of coronavirus across the country and six additional cases in LA County. Public Health stated that none of the new cases are from community spread, and all of these new cases were exposed to COVID-19 through close contacts. None of these cases were linked to the first case reported in LA County in January.
Public Health will be enhancing efforts to include the following:
- Testing at our Public Health Lab: Public Health is among ten California health labs to receive CDC test kits, with additional kits on the way and we will be able to test locally for COVID-19.
- Ensuring that people who are positive for novel coronavirus and their close contacts are quickly identified and closely monitored and supported while they are in isolation and/or quarantined.
- Daily radio briefing updates by the Public Health Director and Health Officer.
- New guidance for childcare facilities, schools, colleges and universities, employers, hotels, public safety responders, shelters, congregate living facilities and parents on how to prepare for and slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Weekly telebriefings with elected officials, city managers, and leaders at businesses, organizations, schools, faith-based communities and healthcare facilities (this includes over 3500 identified contacts).
- Site visits to every interim housing facility to assist the implementation of environmental practices and modifications that can reduce transmission of respiratory illness.
- Communication and preparation with first responders, healthcare facility partners and healthcare providers to ensure continued readiness for this dynamic situation, including ensuring adequate PPE supplies for healthcare workers.
- Updating pandemic response plan for COVID-19 in accordance with CDC guidance and local conditions.
And although there is no current need for significant social distancing measures in LA County, and the individual risk for contracting COVID-19 remains low for most individuals in the County, all community members should take the opportunity to plan for the possibility of more significant social distancing requirements should there be broad community spread. Personal preparation measures include:
- Having an ample supply of essentials at home (including water, food, hygiene, medications, and pet food);
- Planning for the possibility of business disruptions, school closures, and modifications/cancellations of select public events;
- Practicing simple social distancing strategies that limit your exposure to others who may be ill (verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs, not sharing utensils, cups and linens, staying six feet apart from others at public events).
Public Health is also asking businesses, schools, and community-based organizations to prepare plans that allow people to stay home if they are sick (even mildly) without the risk of being academically or financially penalized. This includes the option to work from home or to complete assignments remotely, where possible. Public Health is requesting organizations do the following:
- Make sure you are using a robust, regular cleaning and disinfection schedule for frequently touched surfaces.
- Ensure that your continuity of operations (COOP) plans are up to date, so their essential functions can continue.
- Not require a doctor’s note for staff returning to work after being sick, when possible. This will reduce the strain on the healthcare system. These actions will go a long way to protect individuals and healthcare services that may be affected once novel coronavirus begins to spread more widely.
