Beverly Hills Launches Coronavirus Hotline, Cancels City Events

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The City of Beverly Hills closed its public library and suspended all city- sponsored activities and events, effective immediately, in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, it was announced Friday. The City also established a new coronavirus hotline as a resource to the community.

The Sunday Farmers' Market and the senior programs are among the events being canceled. Beverly Hills City Hall will remain open for business and will continue to sanitize its buildings and facilities.

"Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our community, staff, volunteers, community partners, farmers and vendors," Director of Community Services Jenny Rogers said. "We are aware of the impact that will be felt as a result of these closures and want to further reiterate how committed we are to everyone remaining healthy during this time."

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City of Beverly Hills also launched a COVID-19 Hotline that will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"The City of Beverly Hills is a leader in promoting public health," Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch said. "This Hotline will serve as yet another resource for our community during this unprecedented event."

The COVID-19 Hotline Number is (310) 550-4680. The hotline is to provide general information and resources, and does not constitute medical advice, the City said.

Librarians and library staff will be available to answer questions by email at refernece@beverlyhills.org or by phone at 310-288-2244. Anyone with inquiries about the Farmers' Market, senior programs or other city-sponsored events was asked to call 310-285-6830.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For more information, go to the City of Beverly Hills website.

City News Service contributed to this post