Health Update on the Coronavirus & BCHD Upcoming Events

Updated March 4, 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).

Along with expertise from our Chief Medical Advisor, William Kim, M.D., BCHD is cooperating with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are committed to providing accurate information to the community and public on the coronavirus and are working to keep our facilities as clean as possible by routinely cleaning public spaces and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of 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. LACDPH 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.

Along with LACDPH, we at BCHD encourage residents to engage in their regular activities, practice good public health hygiene and be vigilant and prepared. People who are sick are urged to stay home and take other preventive measures.

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.

Get your flu vaccine

Beach Cities Health District advises residents to follow flu vaccination guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends everyone six months of age and older be vaccinated.

Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick

If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus infection.

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.

Recommendations for businesses, schools and community-based organizations:

LACDPH 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. LACDPH 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.

Signs of Infection:

Common signs of infection: respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
In severe cases: pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death

For up-to-date information, visit bchd.org/coronavirus

Blue Zones Project® Social Hour

Connect with community members and enjoy healthy bites at a discount

Tuesday, March 10

5 – 6 p.m.

Kincaid's

500 Fishermans Wharf

Redondo Beach

Blue Zones Project® Cooking Show: Healthy Eating Bite by Bite

Held in partnership with Lazy Acres Market, learn how to cook plant-slant dinners

Thursday, March 12

6 – 7 p.m.

Lazy Acres Market

2510 Pacific Coast Hwy.

Hermosa Beach

Families Connected Speaker Series: Vaping in 2020: What Parents Need to Know

Free Parenting Workshop

Thursday, March 12

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Adams Middle School

2600 Ripley Ave.

Redondo Beach

Spring AdventureCamp

Keep kids active and engaged through healthy play

Friday, March 13

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (extended care available)

AdventurePlex

1701 Marine Ave.

Manhattan Beach

Apply for a Beach Cities Health District Grant

Non-profits who provide health services to resident in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach are eligible to apply

Applications are due by Monday, March 16

Learn More

Vaping & Substance Use with Clear Recovery

Join a practitioner from Clear Recovery Center for an engaging discussion about youth vaping and substance use. This informal, intimate setting provides a unique opportunity for small-group conversation, peer-to-peer learning and support.

Tuesday, March 17

10-11 a.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Room (lower level)

Redondo Beach

Tuesday, March 24

6-7 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Room (lower level)

Redondo Beach

Tuesday, March 31

1-2 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Unified School District Office - Board Room

325 S. Peck Ave.

Manhattan Beach

Healthy Living Campus Public Board Study Session

BCHD will be having a public study session of the Board of Directors to receive an update, hear public input and discuss the Healthy Living Campus Project. Attendees will be able to offer feedback directly to the Board. The history, finances and community benefit of BCHD and the Healthy Living Campus as well as the opportunities, constraints and tradeoffs of the Healthy Living Campus will be discussed.

Thursday, March 19

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Hotel

300 N. Harbor Dr.

Redondo Beach

Learn More