County issues state of emergency regarding coronavirus; local officials give advice
Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday they are declaring a health emergency as the number of area cases of the novel coronavirus increased to seven, with six new cases confirmed Tuesday night.
None of the new cases is connected to community spreading, officials said. All individuals were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 through close contacts with other people who have been infected, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the novel coronavirus after a California man died after falling ill with the virus while on a cruise ship.
Officials said that three of the new cases were travelers who visited Northern Italy; two are family members who had close contact with someone outside of the county who was infected; another had a job that put them in contact with travelers, The Times reported.
One person has been hospitalized, while the others are isolated at home.
In Burbank, officials from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center are asking the public to remain at home if they feel ill.
Dr. Celina Barba-Simic, co-medical director of the emergency department at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, said the facility is unable to test a patient for the virus unless they have permission from the Los Angeles Public Health Department and the patient meets certain criteria, which include exhibiting a fever or signs of lower respiratory illness and being in contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient within 14 days of the symptoms appearing.
Authorities said an elderly man first developed symptoms while on a Princess cruise from San Francisco to Mexico.
She said there is a difference between screening and testing for the coronavirus.
Patients who are being screened are being examined to determine if they meet the criteria listed by health officials and warrant being tested, whereas testing for the disease involves verifying whether a patient has the illness.
Because space is limited at Providence St. Joseph, Barba-Simic said people who are concerned about whether they have been infected should call their doctor or health provider.
“A lot of insurance companies have nurse hotlines that people can use,” she said. “But if you have a runny nose, stuffy nose, a cough or a sore throat, stay home.”
For those who have to travel or be in public, Barba-Simic said people should generally stay away from others who are ill, not shake hands and wash their hands regularly.
As for medical masks, she said specific types are given to those who might have the illness to prevent it from spreading. However, wearing a mask will not prevent healthy people from being infected.
The new coronavirus spreading rapidly around the globe can be deadly because it targets a very vulnerable and essential part of the body — the lungs.
In addition to washing their hands, people are being encouraged to practice good “respiratory etiquette,” according to Patricia Sung, manager of infection prevention and control at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale.
She said people should cough or sneeze into their elbows rather than onto their hands.
“Coronavirus has kind of highlighted the activities we should already be taking to make sure we don’t get sick,” she said.
Another way to cut down on germ exposure is to avoid needlessly touching your face, according to Sung. That means no stroking your chin, thumbing your nose, biting your nails or rubbing your eyes — especially when out in public.
All it takes is just one virus to hitch a ride on a contaminated finger.
“I know that’s something that can be hard to do … we always do it subconsciously,” she said. “But it’s an important preventative measure.”
While there’s currently no vaccine for the coronavirus, Sung also recommends people get a flu shot if they haven’t already as it is still flu season.
While the maladies are caused by different viruses she said the shot would greatly reduce a person’s risk in contracting a respiratory illness.
At Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, Nicholas Testa, chief physician executive, said in a statement the facility is ready to provide treatment for people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus if needed.
“In anticipation of a potential surge of patients, we have identified locations in our facility where we can provide care while minimizing exposure to other patients and the community,” he said.
Glendale and Burbank Unified school districts have set up web pages with general information and links about the school’s response to the virus and hygiene reminders such as staying home if sick and washing hands often.
Both districts are working with the Centers for Disease Control and the county’s health and education agencies to take preparedness measures.
In a statement, Glendale Supt. Vivian Ekchian said that although the Los Angeles Department of Public Health recommended to plan for social distancing and possible school closures as a means to prepare, “There has been no recommendation for school closures or cancellation of public events anywhere in L.A. County at this time.”
Ekchian requested Glendale schools postpone all field trips scheduled in the weeks ahead, if possible.
However, school-based activities such as open-house events, parent meetings, club events, competitions and sporting events will continue as scheduled.
Glendale Unified will continue to communicate with parents and students through email, the district website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Burbank Unified is not recommending cancellation of public events or travel within the United States. However, parents and students can opt out of events or school trips if they choose.
In an email blast to students and parents, Burbank Supt. Matt Hill wrote that school officials are reviewing procedures for assessing students and staff with possible fever or flu, maintaining supplies of disinfectant, soap and paper towels as well as working with principals to encourage best hygiene practices to students.
The district will send out updates to parents and students through its website, text messages or emails.
