2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory - Two new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County March 9, 2020 coronavirus, COVID-19, health alert, la county, la public health, public health 1158 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is investigating two additional cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County; the total number of cases for the county is now 16. One case traveled through Japan. One case has an unidentified source of exposure, therefore Public Health has determined this is the first possible case of community transmission in LA County. Public Health is identifying 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 has begun. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts will be quarantined. There are no known public exposure locations related to these cases at this time. “This is our first case of community transmission in LA County and we will continue to see more cases of COVID- 19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We continue to urge everyone to do their part: stay home if you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick; plan for the possibility of school and business closures, and be sure to follow any additional directives issued by Public Health and/or local officials. By working together, we can slow the transmission of novel coronavirus,” she added. Public Health will continue to actively monitor this situation and provide updates to the public as needed. 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 unwashed hands. Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick. Clean and disinfect frequently touched 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 and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick (source control). Get a flu immunization 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