March 2, 2020 2:14 PM

Public Health Emergency Advisory: COVID-19

As of March 1, 2020, Alameda County has declared a public health emergency for COVID-19, or otherwise known as the Coronavirus. The Alameda County Public Health Department has confirmed one positive case in Alameda County so far. The County is taking aggressive measures to address the potential spread of this virus, including the activation of its Emergency Operations Center. In addition, the County is working with all health care providers and community partners, like the City, to safeguard the health of our community.

The Alameda County Public Health Department recommends that residents take the following precautions to prevent the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses:
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• Stay home when you are sick; and
• Get a flu shot to protect yourself and others from the flu, which has similar symptoms to COVID19.

People who are well and healthy do not need to use a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. A facemask can be worn for those who are coughing or sneezing to protect others from getting sick. The use of facemasks is crucial, however, for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings. Healthy people should not be excluded from any activities based on their race or country of origin. There is no racial, ethnic, or cultural basis for the disease and we absolutely do not tolerate discrimination of individuals based on their background.

More information and preparation tips can be found at:
• CDC website: www.cdc.gov/COVID19
• Alameda County Public Health Department website: http://acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx
• Sign up for emergency alerts from Alameda County at www.acalert.org