Important Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Important Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The California Legislature is working with the Governor to ensure that our public agencies have all of the resources they need to combat the growing threat of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19. As the situation continues to escalate, both statewide and particularly in the 28th Assembly District, the state is working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Given our connectedness to the rest of the world and our sheer size, we have always understood that a fast-spreading and novel infectious disease could show up here first, in California, before anywhere else in the country.
We’re perhaps the most prepared state in the country for tackling this threat. That is why the federal government chose California as the destination for six repatriation flights of U.S. citizens from China and the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Seventeen public health labs in California are testing for COVID-19 and more public health labs will soon be able to test for COVID-19. This means California public health officials will get test results sooner, so that patients will get the best care.
How can people protect themselves?
Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness:
To the extent that it is possible, it is recommended that persons at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from crowded social gatherings such as parades, conferences, sporting events, and concerts where large numbers of people are within an arm’s length of one another.
Those at higher risk include:
- People over 50 years of age. The risk increases significantly thereafter and escalates with age, with persons over age 80 in the highest risk category.
- Regardless of age, people with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems.
Everyone should practice increased hygiene measures that include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with other people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow.
General Precautions:
- Avoid large gatherings where people are within arm’s length of you.
- Talk to your employer about telecommuting options, telephone conferences, and staggering work start and end times.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
- If you are sick, stay home and limit close contact with other individuals. Contact your health care provider if you need medical attention.
- Avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.
- Do not go to the emergency room unless it is essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
What should you do if you think you’re sick?
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or who recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first, prior to seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Santa Clara County moratorium on mass gatherings:
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department announced a mandatory order issued by the Public Health Officer requiring the cancellation of mass gatherings in the County. This order will remain in place for three weeks as more widespread testing becomes available and we learn more about the spread of COVID-19.
The County is also announcing new, stronger guidance for the public and for many specific groups designed to reduce the spread of the virus in our community.
Local Resources:
Additional information is available from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
Please contact my office if you have any questions or if I can be of service on this or any legislative matter of concern to you.
Sincerely,
Evan Low
Chair, Committee on Business & Professions
Assemblymember, 28th District – San Jose/Silicon Valley
