City of El Segundo Coronavirus Update

Updated March 14, 2020 10:40 a.m.

Topline Points

  • El Segundo emergency services are fully staffed and able to respond. If you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to call 911.
  • Our first priority is the health and safety of the citizens of El Segundo.
  • Dockweiler RV Park has been designated as an isolation location for Coronavirus patients, please avoid the area.

What does the situation look like?

  • Our first priority is the health and safety of the citizens of El Segundo.
  • There are no known cases of Coronavirus in El Segundo.
  • There are 40 cases within LA County and one death recorded. We expect as more tests are administered; the number of cases will increase.
  • We are aware of two cases in Manhattan Beach and understand those cases to be a result of travel in higher outbreak areas and not as a result of community transmission in the El Segundo or LA area.
  • The County is planning for the possible use of recreational vehicles (RVs), apartments, hotels and motels to temporarily house individuals who have been ordered to isolate or quarantine by the Department of Public Health due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). Dockweiler Beach RV Park is one such location.
    • Dockweiler State Beach RV Park has been secured by LA County to be utilized for housing of Coronavirus patients with an expected start date of March 13, 2020. 25 RVs are pending delivery once site inspection is completed and expected on March 12, 2020. The site location’s maximum capacity is 118 spaces with hookups.
    • El Segundo officials are in close coordination with LA County Office of Emergency Services and LA County Health Department regarding this isolation zone.
    • These are individuals who cannot self-isolate/quarantine in their residence and need County support.
    • An LA County team will work with private sector, faith based, NGO, CBO and government partners to support those in isolation or quarantine with wrap-around services to ensure their safety, health and well-being.
    • The County will pay fair market rate for the use of facilities and services to do its part in keeping the local economy running.
    • Supportive housing facilities will be distributed across all areas of the county to limit disruptions as much as possible.
    • This is an emergency action we’re taking to comply with the Department of Public Health’s orders to keep our County safe.  
  • We are encouraging the community to prepare but not panic.

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. This novel Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered Coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted between animals and humans.

How is COVID-19 spread?

  • Details on how COVID-19 is spread are still being researched. However, other Coronaviruses are spread by:
  • Droplets while coughing and sneezing
  • Close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Reported confirmed COVID-19 illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

  • Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Who is at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness?

  • Older adults and persons who have severe chronic medical conditions seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness.
    • Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because:
    • As people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection.
    • Many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.
  • If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

Health care providers will assess patients and consult with the Health Department on whether testing is required.  

How is COVID-19 treated?

Most people will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and there is no vaccine.

What can I do to prevent becoming infected?

Everyone has to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19

  • Personal protective measures
    • Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
    • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
    • Stay home if you or household members are sick. If you feel ill but must go out in public, use a facemask to reduce the likelihood of viral transmission.
  • Environmental measures
    • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, bannisters, and countertops. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.

What do I do if I think I’ve been exposed?

  • If you have recently been to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days:
  • If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call (don’t visit) your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your potential exposure.
  • For people who are ill with COVID-19, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others.

Why all the extra measures?

  • Because COVID-19 is not widespread in our local community yet, we want to try and control the disease to protect our most vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease.
  • Transmission is NOT driven by asymptomatic infections, again making it easier to identify sick people and contain them.
  • We are taking these extra steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 because people may experience more severe illness compared to the seasonal flu.
  • The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, both globally and to the United States. Individual risk is dependent on exposure.
  • There are no vaccines or treatments, so the entire world population is susceptible.

Declarations and Proclamations

  • County Health Officer, Dr. Muntu Davis declared a local health emergency which was followed by the local county emergency proclamation by the County Board of Supervisors.
  • The Governor made a Proclamation of a State Emergency on March 4th .
  • President Trump made a Federal Emergency Declaration on Friday, March 13th.
  • The declaration and proclamations are made in accordance with state and county codes intended to mobilize resources, accelerate emergency planning, streamline staffing, coordinate agencies, and allow for future reimbursement by the state and federal governments and raise awareness throughout LA County and the state about how everyone can prepare in the event that COVID-19 appears in our community.
  • Public health efforts at this time are focused concurrently on containing spread of this virus and mitigating the impact of this virus.
  • The City of El Segundo has not proclaimed a state of emergency because thus far, we have not required significant outside assistance or aid in managing this incident.
  • The following communities in the South Bay have proclaimed a State of Emergency:
    • Redondo Beach
    • Torrance
    • Manhattan Beach

Who is the city working with to address the situation?

  • The city is engaging in continued collaboration via webinars, teleconferences, and discussions with agencies such as:
    • Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
    • Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management
    • All other South Bay cities
    • LAX Airport
    • Centers for Disease Control
    • And many others
  • The city is also working with organizations within the city to include:
    • El Segundo Unified School District
    • Wiseburn Schools
    • Vista Mar School
    • The El Segundo Chamber of Commerce
    • The Los Angeles Air Force Base
    • And many others

I am a business owner/manager. What should I do?

  • Ensure that employees and customers have access to fully stocked handwashing stations, and where needed, alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol
  • Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched services, such as tables, condiments (such as salt and pepper shakers), doorknobs, bannisters, and countertops. Use the disinfectant cleaning agents and follow the directions on the label.
  • Ensure bathrooms are regularly cleaned.
  • Follow all public health regulations at concession that sell food.
  • Do not allow employees that are sick to work. Offering paid time off for sick employees is ideal.
  • Post informational flyers at entrances that people should protect others and stay home when sick.

Latest Statistics  - # of Cases/Deaths

Known cases in the US:  1,629/41

Known cases in California: 247/5  

Known cases in Los Angeles: 40/1    

Known cases in El Segundo: 0/0

Resources

  • Please visit elsegundo.org for accurate, timely, and local information about COVID-19. Be sure to sign up for the El Segundo newsletter on our site to have information sent directly to you.
  • Sign-up for alerts in El Segundo and other communities at nixle.com.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSouthBay.com
  • Visit the Los Angeles County Health Department website at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov
  • Visit the California Department of Public Health at https://www.cdph.ca.gov
  • For information about where to find health and human services call 211

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