For Immediate Release:

March 13, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory - Eight New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed eight new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Social distancing is the best and most effective tool to slow the spread of novel coronavirus.

Additional case information:

Three cases have unidentified sources of exposure.

One case had recently travel to South Korea.

Four of these cases are pending more investigation.

To date, LA County has identified 40 cases; of these, six cases are likely due to community transmission. Two of the cases we confirmed today are hospitalized.

Public Health is investigating these cases and will notify 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.

“Continued evidence of community transmission in LA County is growing. We are all in this together and we must all do our part to slow the spread,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director. “ There are key steps that we are asking members of the public, businesses and organization to do right now to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We thank all of our community partners for swiftly implementing social distancing requirements and postponing or canceling events."

Public Health has issued the following guidance during this time of increased spread:

Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate.

Event organizers postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings of 250 or more until at least the end of March.

Smaller events proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person.

Limiting the gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (people older than 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic illness) to no more than 10 people.

This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services.

Certain activities are essential to the functioning of our state and must continue. Hence, this does not apply to essential public transportation, airport travel, or shopping at a store or mall.

This does not apply to congregate living situations, including dormitories and homeless encampments.

If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home except to get medical care.

Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.

Exclude employees and visitors with any fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and visitors with recent travel to any country or region with significant community transmission (including communities in the US). Smaller events proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person.

Follow all social distancing recommendations issued by Public Health.

Additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on our website.

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