Long Beach Coronavirus Case Confirmed at Local Hospital

The medical center has taken every precaution to care for patients with Coronavirus in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. This includes extensive training and equipping our staff with protective equipment, supplies and procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Memorial Hospital is prepared should there be an influx of patients, and we continue to monitor the situation and respond appropriately. 

This morning, Memorial Hospital identified a patient who tested positive for COVID-19. The patient has been in an isolation room since being identified as potentially having COVID-19 and is being provided with the very best care. Staff members are following all infection control requirements, including following the guidelines of the CDC regarding exposure to patients with novel coronavirus, wearing masks, face shield/eye protection, gloves, gowns and other protective measures.  

The safety of Memorial Hospital patients, family and staff is of our utmost importance. The community should be assured that we can care for any type of patients while safeguarding our healthcare professionals. If community members have questions about the novel coronavirus, they should consult the Center for Disease Control guidelines; the CDC website is a tremendous resource https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

An important update from the City on COVID-19:

Preliminary test results indicate that two men and one woman have tested positive for COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus disease 2019. Cases are considered presumptive until Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the results. Two had traveled to an international area of community transmission and one traveled domestically to an area of community transmission.

One patient is hospitalized in stable condition and two are isolated at home.

“These preliminary test results, and our response and coordination with public health and safety officials are being taken extremely seriously. We strongly believe that COVID-19 is a threat to public health here in Long Beach and throughout the United States,” says Mayor Robert Garcia.

Given the presumptive positive test results, The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Control Program is conducting an extensive contact investigation and following up with individuals who may have been exposed.

The City of Long Beach has been preparing to respond to COVID-19 for months, and the Health Department is currently working to identify additional contacts and minimize the risk of spread associated with these cases.

“Today, we have quickly transitioned from preparing for a case to now implementing containment efforts should there be additional individuals who test positive for COVID-19 in Long Beach,” said City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis. “The emergency declarations that we announced earlier this week continue to assist us with the resources we need to respond to this for our community.”

The Health Department continues to urge individuals to disclose any recent travel to affected areas to their providers if they develop symptoms such as fever or respiratory symptoms, and providers are urged to ask patients about their travel history and report any suspected cases of COVID-19 to the Health Department immediately.

The community should continue to practice general health practices that prevent the spread of viruses in general:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• If you have underlying health conditions or are an older adult, consider avoiding large gatherings.

At this time, Health officials are not recommending the closures of schools or other public facilities. If in the future that changes, the City will provide further instruction.

The City encourages all residents to visit www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 for up-to-date facts on COVID-19, and to avoid misinformation. You can also follow updates, tips and notices on the City’s social media pages @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept and by following hashtag #COVID19LongBeach.