March 10, 2020

As a preventive health agency, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) focuses on improving the health and well-being of residents and is monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On March 9, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported it was investigating two additional cases of COVID-19. One case traveled through Japan. One case has an unidentified source of exposure, therefore LACDPH has determined this is the first possible case of community transmission in LA County.

BCHD is following guidance from the LACDPH and recommends that the following groups practice social distancing immediately and avoid being in close contact with others who are ill:

  • Pregnant women

  • Individuals with underlying health conditions such as:
  • Heart, lung or kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Compromised immune systems

  • Older adults (aged 60 years and older)
  • Early data suggest older adults are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because immune systems change with age, making it harder to fight off diseases and infection. Older adults also are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.

Social distancing measures:
  • Avoid nonessential travel
  • Avoid public gatherings, places where large groups congregate and event venues (large events of 50 people or more)
  • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces
  • If you need to go out, stay six feet apart from others at public events

BCHD Events:
We will continue to monitor the situation and may cancel events if needed . The LACDPH recommends all individuals stay home if you are sick, even for mild illnesses, and continue to practice other prevention recommendations such as washing your hands often with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

If a person develops symptoms of COVID-19, and has reason to believe they may have been exposed, they should call their health care provider or local health department before seeking care.


For up-to-date information, visit bchd.org/coronavirus
Downloadable resources to print:
When you’re sick, stay home
It’s important to stay home when you’re sick and limit contact with others, even for mild illnesses. If you have mild symptoms, there may be no need to go to a medical facility to see a doctor. Certain patients, such as the elderly, those that are immune compromised or have underlying health conditions should call their doctor for advice.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Don’t touch your face
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Sick people can spread viruses through close contact with others such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands or sharing utensils.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
Germs can build up on frequently touched objects such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches and children’s toys.
Use a tissue, not your hand
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve or elbow (not your hands).
Have an ample supply of essentials at home
This includes water, food, essential hygiene items and medications. Plan for the possibility of business disruptions, school closures and modifications/cancellations of select public events.
Get your flu vaccine
Protect yourself and your family, and reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system, which may be impacted by COVID-19 concerns.
Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick
It is not recommended that people who are well wear a mask to protect themselves from COVID-19 unless a healthcare professional advises it. A facemask should be used by people with COVID-19 who have symptoms to protect others from getting infected. Health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in a close setting should wear a mask.
Stay updated on Travel Health Notices to avoid nonessential travel
Visit bchd.org/coronavirus to view Travel Health Notices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.