Malibu Cancels Non-Essential Programs, Events Amid Coronavirus

MALIBU, CA — The City of Malibu has canceled or postponed all non-essential programs and events until April 30, to prevent further spread of the new coronavirus and "protect vulnerable populations," the City announced Thursday.

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 March 16 and Special Meeting scheduled for March 30 have been continued to a date uncertain, the City news release said. Public Counter hours will continue as scheduled until further notice.

"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," Mayor Karen Farrer said. "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."

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There are no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Malibu, the City said. The city is taking these measures to follow recommendations given by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Office of Emergency Management and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

LADPH and CDC recommend social distancing when there is significant community transmission of the novel coronavirus. As of March 12, Los Angeles County has 28 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (two were caused by community spread) and one death.

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.

"The City, in standard preparation for any emergency or disaster, has plans in place for continuity of government services and business operations," the City of Malibu said. "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."

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 updates and information about the coronavirus visit the LADPH website and the CDC website.