Riverside County Declares Local Health Emergency
On Sunday, March 8, 2020, County of Riverside Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser declared a local health emergency, citing the county’s first locally acquired case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since the announcement, Riverside University Health System-Public Health has announced additional cases in the Coachella Valley.
“The health and safety of our community is our top priority. There is currently no active threat to the City of Beaumont. We are actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation, along with the County of Riverside and emergency management services”, stated Mayor Rey Santos. “The best way to protect yourself and others is by washing your hands, covering your sneeze or cough, staying away from others who are sick, and staying home if you are sick”.
All City facilities remain open during normal business hours. All programs, community services and emergency services are fully operational. Beaumont staff have increased cleaning at all City facilities and hand sanitizer is available.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
How to Protect Yourself
There is currently no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19, but it is recommended for everyone to get their flu vaccine and practice proven preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you 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.
When to Seek Treatment
If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days after you traveled to a country with widespread sustained transmission of COVID-19, you should:
- Seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
Updates
For updates and information in the novel coronavirus and other important public health information, please visit:
Riverside County Public Health: https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
You can also call 2-1-1 to speak to someone if you have general questions.
The declaration of local health emergency is set to be ratified by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors at their regularly scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday, March 10. A public health emergency declaration supports the county’s planning and response efforts and is a signal to the community that the disease has been introduced to the area.