First 3 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — The first three people tested positive for the new coronavirus in Long Beach, city officials said Monday.

The newly reported Long Beach cases are two men and one women. City officials said the test results are preliminary until confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two of the patients had recently traveled internationally to an area of "community transmission," while the other traveled domestically to an area of "community transmission." Long Beach, which has a health department separate from the county, declared a public health emergency due to COVID-19 last week.

"These preliminary test results, and our response and coordination with public health and safety officials, are being taken extremely seriously," Mayor Robert Garcia said. "We strongly believe that COVID-19 is a threat to public health here in Long Beach and throughout the United States."

City health officials said they are working to identify anyone who may have been in contact with the newly diagnosed patients.

Two of the patients are isolated at home, while the third is hospitalized at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. The hospital's chief medical officer, Dr. James Leo, told the Long Beach Post the patient has been in isolation since being identified as a possible patient, and the person is "being provided with the very best care."

Cal State Long Beach university officials confirmed that 10 students are in self-quarantine after attending a "large event in Washington, D.C., at which three people subsequently tested positive for COVID- 19." The college did not specify the event or confirm if they also attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference attended by the Los Angeles County coronavirus patient and two other people who have since tested positive.

CSULB officials said the students are not showing any symptoms of the illness and the university is "in ongoing communication with them and we are closely monitoring their health status."

There are also 16 cases of COVID-19 being handled by the L.A. County Department of Public Health. COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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.

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City News Service contributed to this post