Precautionary Action of COVID-19
Announces Cancellation
of Public Gatherings
March 12, 2020__ San
Bernardino, CA
In
an effort to protect the public from any possible spread of the virus that
causes COVID-19, San Bernardino County Board Supervisors Chairman Curt
Hagman announced that, the County Public Health Officer Thursday, March 12th
has ordered the immediate cancellation or postponement of gatherings of more
than 250 people within the county, until further notice.
The
order applies to, but is not limited to, concerts, conferences, and
professional, college, and school sporting events, and is in line with guidance
issued today by the California Department of Public Health.
"The
County realizes that this order will result in inconveniences to many people
and businesses. However, the County's primary concern is the health and
wellbeing of its residents and visitors," Hagman said.
Smaller gatherings should refer to guidance from the California Department of
Public Health, which can be found at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Gathering_Guidance_03.11.20.pdf
The County Public Health Officer's order does not apply to activities such as
attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services.
"Certain activities are essential to the functioning of our state and must
continue," the order states. "Hence, this Order does not apply to
essential public transportation, airport travel, or shopping at a store or
mall. This Order also does not apply to congregate living situations, including
dormitories and homeless encampments."
Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within San
Bernardino County, numerous cases have been confirmed in neighboring
counties. Large gatherings that attract travelers and other people who don't
routinely congregate with each other increase the risk of COVID-19 appearing
within San Bernardino County.
As should always be the case, people experiencing symptoms of contagious
illness should seek medical guidance, not attend work or school, and avoid
contact with other people.
Tuesday, March 10th the County Public Health Officer and the Board
of Supervisors declared a local health emergency to help ensure County Government
and the public, are prepared for the possibility that COVID-19 will appear
within the County.
Various appropriate San Bernardino County departments and agencies have been
working together since January 25, 2020, to prepare for the possible
arrival of the virus within the county. That is when the County was notified an
aircraft carrying U.S. citizens evacuated from the region in China where the
virus had originated might be arriving at Ontario International Airport. The
flight was eventually diverted to Riverside County. The County Department of
Public Health activated its Department Operations Center on February 13, 2020.
San
Bernardino County Public Health continues to work with the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department
of Public Health to respond to reports of COVID-19.
Although Governor
Newsom declared a State of Emergency to help the state prepare for broader
spread of COVID-19, the health risk from COVID-19 to the general public in San
Bernardino County remains low at this time.
As with any virus, especially during the cold and flu season, there are a
number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:
--Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
--Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, especially after going to
the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or
sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
--Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
--Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular
household cleaning spray or wipes.
--If someone does become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough,
they should stay away from work, school or other people to avoid spreading
illness and seek assistance from their healthcare provider if symptoms become
severe.
--N95 masks are not recommended outside a healthcare setting. Surgical masks
can be worn by sick individuals to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs to
others.
For more
information on COVID-19, please call (800) 722-4794 or visit the County Public
Health COVID-19 webpage at http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/
Information is updated as
soon as it is made available.
Event organizers seeking guidance from the Public Health Officer specific to
their planned events should send their inquiries to coronavirus@dph.sbcounty.gov