PRESS RELEASE – CITY OF EL MONTE NOVEL COVID-19 RESPONSE
The City of El Monte (“City”) is in communication with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to ensure that we are taking the appropriate action to protect our residents against the spread of the Coronavirus. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our residents, the City has decided to take the following preventative measures:
• Cancellation of all City-planned events for the month of March. The City will continue to monitor the situation and consider cancelling other future events as necessary to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus within the community.
• Temporary closure of the Jack Crippen Multi-Purpose Senior Center and modification of the Elderly Nutrition Program to minimize contact and exposure until further notice.
• Temporary closure of the El Monte Aquatic Center until further notice.
• Cancellation of the Senior Lap Swim and Exercise Program until further notice.
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all high-touch areas in City Hall, City buildings, including bus shelters, to stop any potential spread of the Coronavirus.
While the City apologizes for any inconvenience that these actions may cause, the safety of our residents is our highest priority.
The City of El Monte also encourages its residents to take proactive steps to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. As with other respiratory illnesses, there are steps that everyone can take daily to reduce the risk of getting sick or infecting others. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends:
• Stay home if you are sick; do not wait until you are VERY sick. Remain home until you have spoken with your doctor or health provider.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 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 your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands). Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning spray or wipes that are identified for use against Influenza A&B and Coronaviruses.
• If you have not yet done so, get a flu shot to prevent influenza.
• Avoid / Stay away from sick people.
The City of El Monte will continue to follow the lead of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in implementing protocols to protect the health and safety of residents in public spaces and in providing accurate and timely updates to the community.
For updates and information about the current numbers of cases in the United States and in Los Angeles County, the spread of the virus, severity, treatments, precautions, and other important public health information in multiple languages, please visit the websites below.
CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health - http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
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