The City of Culver City has proclaimed a local emergency due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Saturday’s action follows Los Angeles County’s declaration of a local health emergency and the State of California’s declaration of a State of Emergency on March 4, and the President’s declaration of a National Emergency on March 13.
The Proclamation gives the city:
Expanded access to personnel, equipment, and facilities
The ability to waive local provisions and regulations that could hinder response to the emergency
Enhanced opportunities for mutual aid
Access to state/federal funding/reimbursement related to disaster relief
“We encourage everyone to remain calm. Our recommendation for how to care for yourself and your loved ones is to follow the simple advice from public health authorities at Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,” said City Manager John Nachbar. “Stay home when you are sick, wash your hands frequently, and start practicing social distancing, especially if you’re an older adult or have preexisting medical conditions”
The City will continue to provide all essential services and nearly all regular services such as police, fire, and paramedic response, trash pickup, and bus service. The City has taken steps to facilitate social distancing by closing certain public facilities such as the Senior Center and cancelling events and meetings. The full list of closures and updates can be found on the City’s coronavirus website at https://www.culvercity.org/coronavirus.
Non-Essential Private Gatherings and Events
The City urges residents to cancel all non-essential private events and gatherings of any type and size through at least April 3, although this is not mandatory. This follows advice from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health authorities to avoid non-essential gatherings.
Most people with respiratory infections like colds, the flu, and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will have mild illness and can get better with appropriate home care and without the need to see a provider. People who are elderly, pregnant, or have a weak immune system, or other medical problems, are at higher risk of more serious illness or complications. It is recommended that you monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical care early if your symptoms get worse.
If you are having difficulty breathing or keeping fluids down, go to an emergency room or call 911. Otherwise, it is better to call your doctor before going in to seek care.
You should also call a doctor if you have had close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
How Many Culver City Residents Have Tested Positive for COVID-19?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) tracks individuals who are positive for COVID-19 in L.A. County, including Culver City. The City is not a public health agency and relies on Public Health to track those patients and those with whom they may have been in close contact. Public Health releases their patient numbers on a countywide basis only. As such, the City has very limited and incomplete information on the numbers of patients in Culver City who test positive for COVID-19, most of which is protected by law to ensure patient privacy (HIPAA). The City is aware of two residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, but it is possible there are more who have tested positive that the City has not been made aware of by Public Health.
