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Corona-Virus Covid-19 Health 

Long Beach Covid-19 Update : 3.24

LBLN

By the Numbers :

  • 28 positive results
    • 5 people have recovered.
    • 1 death. See press release for more details.
  • Please note that today’s positive results figure is inclusive of one CSULB student. The other student does not live in Long Beach.
  • The number of individuals being monitored will no longer be reported due to a Health Department shift towards focusing on prioritizing the highest-risk contacts.

Today’s Highlights:

  • Long Beach City Council will consider a number of COVID-19 related items at this evening’s meeting, including a temporary moratorium on evictions, extending Winter Shelter and a temporary suspension of the termination of housing assistance payments.
  • Long Beach announced its first COVID-19 fatality yesterday afternoon. The woman was in her 50s and had underlying health conditions. Epidemiologists are working to identify possible exposures.
  • A temporary medical facility for non-COVID-19 patients is under construction, in partnership with the Health Department, at the Port of Long Beach’s former Sea Launch facility. 
  • Port of Long Beach terminals are open and operating. There were 6 container vessels, 2 bulk vessels and 4 oil tankers for a total of 12 ships docked at the Port. Harbor Department administrative buildings are closed to the public, but normal functions continue and staff are facilitating cargo operations.
  • The City urges people to remain calm. Please follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 for guidance. Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive emergency notifications.
  • The Joint Information Center remains open during normal business hours, 7 days a week: 562.570.NEWS (6397), jic@longbeach.gov.

This Week’s Highlights:

  • On March 22, Long Beach Health Department issued guidance to local healthcare providers based on the state’s “Guidance for Prioritization of Patients for Laboratory Testing for COVID-19,” issued March 20. Testing will continue to be based on medical need and will help ensure that people who most need testing can get results rapidly, while reducing strain on the health care system. 
  • On March 21, in an effort to mitigate parking impacts to residents caused by COVID-19 in the most parking-impacted areas of Long Beach, the City of Long Beach provided free alternative off-street parking options and increased on-street parking meter courtesy times.
  • On March 20, the City issued an update on enforcement of the March 19 “Safer at Home” order. Businesses that violate or fail to comply with the Long Beach Health Officer’s order may be subject to civil enforcement, which includes but is not limited to administrative penalties and revocation of a business and/or health permit. 
  • On March 18, the City announced a Disaster Relief Fund for COVID-19 response.

What you need to know NOW:

  • This respiratory disease outbreak has no impact on the quality or supply of Long Beach’s tap water and should not disrupt water or sewer service to Long Beach Water’s customers. Details here. 
  • Long Beach Police Department has increased patrol resources and will continue to monitor key resource locations to ensure public safety. LBPD also provided health and safety recommendations to area grocery stores.
  • The Long Beach Water Department is asking the public to refrain from flushing paper towels and wipes, including disinfectant wipes and wipes labeled “flushable.” These do not break down the way toilet paper does and can quickly cause sewer clogs, backups and spills.The City urges people to adhere to the new “Safer at Home” ordinance for their ongoing health and safety and those of others.
  • The WorkPlace job center (4811 Airport Plaza Dr., Suite 120) will remain open to assist Long Beach families, workers and small businesses affected.
  • Long Beach Transit is modifying its service schedule in response to the outbreak. Buses will operate 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
  • Outdoor book drops are closed at all Long Beach Public Library locations through April 30. No overdue fines will accrue during this period. Library patrons can access LBPL’s vast collection of digital resources available 24/7.Practice social distancing. Avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
  • The closure of Long Beach Unified School District schools has been extended through at least May 3. Beginning Monday, March 23, the Long Beach Unified School District will be sending home learning opportunity information to general education and special education students and their families.
  • The City encourages everyone to create a family action plan. Designate a room to separate sick household members from others; ensure access to medication, food and other essentials; and create an emergency contact list. Check on the needs of elderly family members and neighbors. Additional preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services, Health Department Operations Center is activated at a Level I, and is conducting contact investigations and following up with those who could be exposed by presumptive positive cases.
  • The City of Long Beach continues to monitor the situation 24/7 in coordination with local, state and federal officials.

COVID Testing Glossary:

  • Positive – Number of people who have received a positive test result. 
  • Recovered – Recovered means the patient is cleared. They have recovered and are no longer considered contagious, so they don’t have any movement restrictions.

A Note About Quarantine and Isolation: 

Quarantine is used by public health professionals to separate potentially exposed individuals from the public in the case that they become symptomatic and thus contagious to others. Being in quarantine is not an indication that a person has or is likely to have COVID-19. Quarantined people are asked to limit their contact with others for 14 days, and may be excluded from work or school. Quarantined people should notify their provider immediately if they begin experiencing symptoms. Should they begin exhibiting symptoms, they may be required to isolate.

Isolation means separating a person who is sick in order to prevent them spreading the virus to others. People may be asked to self-isolate at home while they are being tested, while they recover or they may be isolated in a healthcare setting if they need medical support to recover.

Who To Call & Additional Resources:

  • Up-To-Date Local Information on COVID-19: www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 and @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Highlights can be found using the hashtag #COVID19LongBeach. 
  • Media Inquiries: 562.570.NEWS (6397) or jic@longbeach.gov 
  • Business Information Line (normal business hours): 562.570.4BIZ (4249)
  • Public Information Line (normal business hours): 562.570.INFO (4636)
  • Health Providers:
    • Normal hours: 562.570.4302
    • After hours emergency only: 562.500.5537