While no novel coronavirus cases have been confirmed in San Bernardino County, the board of supervisors will consider declaring a health emergency at its Tuesday, March 10, meeting Chairman Curt Hagman said.

The declaration is a proactive measure to help the county get additional dollars to help with preparation efforts, Hagman said Monday, March 9.

Supervisors will also hear an update from county health and public safety officials Tuesday. That discussion will include additional steps the county could take to limit the spread of the virus, known as COVID-19, Hagman said.

“We’re going to do a lot more things to make sure we stay as safe as possible,” Hagman said.

While no coronavirus cases have been confirmed in San Bernardino County, supervisors will consider declaring a health emergency to ensure they have the resources needed, @curthagman announced in a video Monday, March 9. https://t.co/R3Nv6hq1it — Sandra Emerson (@ReporterSandraE) March 9, 2020

Riverside County declared an emergency Sunday, March 8, following the first locally acquired case. Three more people in the Coachella Valley have tested positive for the virus, Riverside county officials said Monday, March 9. Two other county residents, who were on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, tested positive for the virus and are being treated in hospitals in Northern California.

Hagman said San Bernardino County officials plan to work with Riverside County and Inland Empire communities “to make sure we stay two steps in front.”

Tuesday’s update will also be a chance for the public to learn more about the county’s efforts, Hagman said. Information on how the virus is spread, differences between it and the common flu and preventive measures residents can take are on the county’s website, he said. The county also has test kits and local labs are geared up, he said.

“We are ready for it if it does come to the county,” Hagman said.

As of Monday, there were 114 confirmed cases and one death in California, of which, 24 cases are from repatriation flights, county public health officials said. The other 90 confirmed cases include 37 that are travel related, 23 due to person-to-person, 14 community acquired and 16 from unknown sources, officials said.

While Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency, the health risk from COVID-19 to the general public remains low, county officials said.

The board of supervisors will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the county government center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino. The meeting will also be streamed live on the county’s website.