MARCH 12, 2020 - CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
All City Programs and Events Cancelled or Postponed Until April 30, 2020 Out of Abundance of Caution Due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Malibu has cancelled or postponed all non-essential City-hosted and sponsored programs and events until April 30, 2020, to help prevent further spread of Coronavirus and protect vulnerable populations such as seniors and people with compromised immune systems.
“There is no cause for panic and I understand the inconvenience that this presents, but the City’s number one priority is protecting public safety,” said Mayor Karen Farrer. “We must do everything possible to be prepared, follow public health officials’ recommended precautions to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, and protect our vulnerable populations.”
All Brown Act public meetings including City Council and Commissions will continue as scheduled until further notice. However, the Malibu Planning Commission Regular Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 and Special Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 30 have been continued to a date uncertain.
Public Counter hours will continue as scheduled until further notice.
There are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Malibu. These measures are meant to follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH), California Office of Emergency Management (CALOES) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus.
Currently, LADPH and CDC recommend social distancing when there is significant community transmission of the novel coronavirus. As of March 12, 2020, Los Angeles County has 28 confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), two of which were caused by community spread, and one death. To see updated numbers on Coronavirus in LA County, visit LADPH’s Coronavirus webpage at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus [http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus] .
In a recent press release, LADPH Director Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, noted, “With the discovery of community spread yesterday, we will continue to see more cases of COVID-19 in LA County. With more cases, we are urging people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and the elderly to practice social distancing by avoiding non-essential travel, public events, community gatherings, and indoor venues.”
According to the CDC, the populations who are at higher risk of getting very sick from the virus include seniors and older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. See the CDC’s recommendations at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html] .
The City’s Dial-A-Ride program will continue to operate, and Dial-A-Ride vehicles are regularly disinfected.
The Senior Center will remain closed until further notice. However, staff will still be available to assist any seniors in the community that need assistance. For assistance, call the Senior Center at 310-456-2489 ext. 357.
For a complete list of programs, meetings and events that are cancelled or postponed, visit https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/26106/03_12_2020_Malibu_EmergencyCancellations_ProgramsMeetingsEvents [https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/26106/03_12_2020_Malibu_EmergencyCancellations_ProgramsMeetingsEvents] .
In response to the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, the County declared a Level 1 local emergency on March 12, 2020.
The City, in standard preparation for any emergency or disaster, has plans in place for continuity of government services and business operations. The City has developed a Pandemic Response Plan that will address continuity of operations for businesses, and City government services in case a serious outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (or other communicable disease) occurs locally.
The public is urged to follow these hygiene, preparation and containment measures:
• Make sure you have enough food, medication, toiletries and other supplies to be self-sufficient for three weeks in case you have to stay home.
• Avoid / stay away from sick people;
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand cleaner;
• Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth;
• Disinfect public counters, desks, common areas, phones, keyboards and other high-touch surfaces;
• Use disinfectant wipes identified for use against Influenza A&B and Coronaviruses;
• If you have symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) stay home and call a doctor;
• Remain home until you have spoken with your doctor or health provider and are cleared to return to work; and
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw away the tissue.
For City information about Coronavirus, visit www.MalibuCity.org/Coronavirus [www.MalibuCity.org/Coronavirus] . For updates and information about Coronavirus in the United States and in Los Angeles County, including treatments, precautions, and other important public health information in multiple languages, visit LADPH at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus [http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus] and the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html] .