Public Health Identifies Six New Cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed six additional cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Los Angeles County; the total number of cases for the county is seven.

Information about the new cases:

One individual was most likely exposed by an infected traveler at their job.
Two people were most likely exposed by a family member who was a positive case and lives outside of LA County.
Three were travelers who traveled together in northern Italy.

Public Health has identified persons who may have had close personal contact with these individuals, including any friends, family members or health care professionals, to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined. There are no known exposures to the general public.

“LA County and hospital partners are well prepared to manage cases and suspected cases of novel coronavirus. As with other respiratory illnesses, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of getting sick from circulating viruses, including COVID-19. This includes remaining home when ill, washing hands with soap and water frequently, and getting immunized against flu,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health.

Public Health will continue to actively monitor this situation and provide updates to the public as needed.

“Although there is no current need for significant social distancing measures in LA County, and the individual risk for contracting COVID-19 remains low for most individuals in the County, all community members should take the opportunity to plan for the possibility of more significant social distancing requirements should there be broad community spread,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer.

Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:

Stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick (source control).
Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health http ://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
LA County residents can also call 2-1-1

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichea lth.lacounty.gov , and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/l acounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lap ublichealth, facebook.co m/lapublichealth, instagra m.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/ lapublichealth.

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