Second Covid-19 Case Reported in Arcadia

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 46 new cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including a second case in Arcadia, bringing the total number of laboratory confirmed cases in the county to 190 as of Wednesday afternoon. On Monday, Arcadia Weekly reported on the first confirmed case that was later followed City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto issuing a proclamation of local emergency which was ratified by City Council on Tuesday night.

Because there are positive cases across theentire county, the public should not think one location is safer than theother. Additional information regarding some of the new cases is pending completionof an investigation.

To date, Public Health has identified 190 casesacross all areas in Los Angeles County, so everyone needs to practice socialdistancing and good public health hygiene.

Public Health is investigating these cases andwill notify close contacts who are household members, intimate partners andhealthcare professionals to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms ofillness. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts arequarantined.

“We will see an increase in positive casestoday, tomorrow and for the coming weeks, but that doesn’t mean our actions toslow the spread of the virus are not working. The measures we are taking in LACounty will help flatten the curve,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, LosAngeles County Public Health Director. “By slowing the spread of thevirus, we will protect our healthcare system and most vulnerableresidents.”

Public Health issued a Health Officer Order toprohibit group events and gatherings, require social distancing measures andthe closure of certain businesses, including bars, gyms, movie theaters and entertainmentcenters. The order, along with guidance,can be found online publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus.

Public Health has issued the following guidanceduring this time of increased spread:

• Avoid non-essential travel, publicgatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate.
• Event organizers postpone or cancelnon-essential gatherings of 50 or more until at least the end of March.
• For gatherings of less than 50 people,social distancing measures must be followed.
• Limit gatherings of individuals who areat higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (people older than 65, pregnantwomen, and those with chronic illness) to no more than 10 people.
• This guidance does not apply toactivities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essentialservices, including public transportation, airport travel or shopping.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stayhome and call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen.Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnantshould consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
• Exclude employees and visitors with anyfever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and visitors with recent travel toany country or region with significant community transmission (includingcommunities in the U.S.) from all schools, businesses, and gatherings of anysize.

Follow all social distancing recommendationsissued by Public Health.

Additional things you can do to protectyourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website.

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