Addressing to a developing public health crisis, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to declare a local emergency, while ratifying a concurrent declaration of a local health emergency.
The County of Santa Cruz is responding to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a growing global public health threat that has killed more than 4,000 across the globe including 27 in the U.S. Two cases have been confirmed in Santa Cruz County, with both patients in isolation and recovering.
“Santa Cruz County Public Health is leading local response efforts in coordination with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control,” Board of Supervisors Chair Greg Caput said. “The measures we are taking are guided by the best available science and after consulting state and federal experts. We support Public Health’s efforts and ask all residents to take precautions to assure the health and safety of themselves and their family members.”
The County’s Health Services Agency has activated its Departmental Operations Center, with support from the County Emergency Operations Center. On March 4, Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel declared a local health emergency and recently issued updated community guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including guidance for workplaces and large gatherings.
The community is strongly urged to follow the guidelines, available at www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus.
Community members should take precautions to help prevent the spread of illness, including frequent hand-washing with soap and water; covering your cough or sneeze; avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands and avoid shaking hands; regularly cleaning surfaces touched by many people using normal household cleaners; staying home from work or school if you are sick; and getting a flu shot to protect yourself and others from flu.
For local information, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211.
