Dear Residents,

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to monitor the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Los Angeles County and would like to share the following updates with the community:

We’re Here

Although City Hall is closed for the weekend, and City park buildings are closed and recreational activities, classes and events at City facilities have been canceled through at least the remainder of March, the City Council and City staff are monitoring communications from various government agencies and the public and will continue to share information with residents. The City Council and City staff recognize the health and well-being of the public, particularly older adults and those vulnerable to COVID-19, as a top priority.

A webpage with coronavirus updates, resources and information on local closures has been added to the City website at rpvca.gov/coronavirus

The Latest

Today, March 14, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center at Level 3, the lowest level of activation, in order to maintain continuous communication with government agencies, the City Council, and the community.

As of today, there are 53 known cases of coronavirus in Los Angeles County. Eight cases are likely due to community transmission and one person has died.

On March 13, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District confirmed that a parent of students at Silver Spur Elementary School and Valmonte Early Learning Academy reported testing positive for COVID-19, but stated the case has not been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The parent did not enter either school campus the family attends. The City has no more information about the identity or residence of the parent or family than has already been reported by PVPUSD or the local media. 

What’s Next

On Tuesday, March 17, the City Council will consider proclaiming a local emergency in response to the spread of coronavirus. The proclamation will bolster the City’s ability to respond to the outbreak by providing:

• 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

What to Do

Here are measures you should take to protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses:

• Practice social distancing. That means limiting the time you spend in public and keeping a 6-foot distance between yourself and strangers when you are in public.
• Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate.
• Postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings of 250 or more until at least the end of March. 
• Please stay home when ill, except to seek medical care.
• 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).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
• Wash your hand often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• If you are self-quarantined, make sure you connect with the Department of Public Health so that you have all the necessary follow-up and supplies.
• Older adults or individuals who have underlying health conditions or are pregnant should contact their providers when they are sick.
• Call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Mental Health

If the coronavirus outbreak is affecting your mental health, the World Health Organization recommends minimizing watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information only from trusted sources and mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones. Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice.

Find more tips, visit https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_8

COVID-19 and Pets

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control reminds the public that dogs and cats have their own coronavirus, which is NOT the same virus as COVID-19. There is no current evidence that you will get COVID-19 from your family pet. If you are sick with COVID-19, it is recommended to limit close contact with pets until more information is known about the virus. You should always wash your hands after handling animals as a general rule. Owners should include pets in their emergency preparedness planning, including a two-week supply of food and medications.

For more information, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/FAQ-PetOwners.pdf 

Resources

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus
California Department of Public Health: cdph.ca.gov/covid19 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov/COVID19
World Health Organization: who.int/coronavirus
L.A. County residents can also call 2-1-1

The City Council is committed to keeping you informed on this ever-changing situation, and thanks you for your cooperation and support. The City reminds all residents that closures and cancellations announced by the City and other agencies and institutions are being implemented because public health officials advise that social distancing is the best and most effective tool to slow the spread of coronavirus. The immediate risk to the general public continues to be considered low at this time.