There are currently 53 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in LA County. Although the risk of getting coronavirus disease in our area remains low, the CDC recently shared that the coronavirus almost certainly will continue spreading in communities in the United States, and Americans should begin preparations now.
The City of Glendale has developed open lines of communications among local and federal health agencies in order to be ready to react appropriately, should the need for local mitigation responses become necessary. Among these alliances include the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Center for Disease Control, Glendale Adventist, Glendale Memorial and USC Verdugo Hills Hospitals, the Glendale Unified School District, and Glendale Community College. Additionally, the Glendale Fire Department Personnel has been in constant contact with the Local Area C Disaster Management Area Coordinators in an effort to keep abreast of new developments, disaster declarations, and the implementation of any potential response, should it become necessary.
Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, or places where large groups of people congregate, such as ticketed events (such as theaters, concert halls, and sporting events) if you are at higher risk of getting very sick from infection, such as the elderly (65 or older), people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women.
- Abstain from all cruise ship travel, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
- Follow all social distancing recommendations issued by Public Health.
- If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home until you have been fever-free for 72 hours, except to get medical care.
- Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
- Event organizers should consider postponing or cancelling non-essential community events, especially those that may be attended by the elderly, pregnant women, or people with chronic health conditions.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, beginning March 14th at least through the end of March, the City of Glendale will be closing city facilities and modifying some functions. Critical services will not be impacted. Please see the following link for additional information https://www.glendaleca.gov/
At this time it is vital to practice every day preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Getting your flu vaccination – it’s not too late!
- Staying home if you are sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough;
- Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available;
- Covering your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Contact your primary care physician if symptoms develop;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Limiting close contact with people who are sick;
- Cleaning surfaces that are touched often;
- 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);
- Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
