Long Beach Announces First Case of Community Spread of COVID-19

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is reporting a new case of COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus, in an adult woman who did not have known exposure to an individual with the virus or travel to an area of community transmission. The woman, who is in her 60s, is hospitalized and in stable condition. This case marks the fifth identified case of COVID-19. 

The newly-identified case may indicate community spread, which is when an illness from an unknown source. Community spread can indicate that people are more likely to be exposed to the virus; however, it does not concretely define an increase in cases. Details regarding the individual’s exposure location and date are actively being investigated by the Health Department. 

“This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparation, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness and those with underlying health conditions,” said City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis.

Residents of Long Beach should continue to practice preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly, staying home when sick, not touching one’s face with unwashed hands and covering one’s coughs and sneezes. The City urges people to practice social distancing, including avoiding crowds of people and keeping at least six feet of distance from others.

“We want all residents to know that the City is taking strong and proactive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “It’s important to prepare, check in on family and friends, and show compassion towards neighbors.”

Measures taken by the City include the following:

The City encourages everyone to put together a family action plan, including choosing a room in one’s house that can be used to separate sick household members from others; ensuring access to prescription and nonprescription medication, food and other essentials; and creating an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbors, delivery services and other community resources. Reach out to elderly family members and neighbors to ensure they have what they need. More information about preparedness can be found atwww.ready.gov.

City residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive emergency notifications to their mobile phone and/or email address. 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.

For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please visit: www.longbeach.gov/covid19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.