2 Coronavirus Cases Reported In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Two travelers with coronavirus are convalescing in isolation at a Manhattan Beach home, causing tension between city leaders and county health officials who did not notify the community of the local cases.

The City of Manhattan Beach received notice that there are two cases of the new coronavirus within the city, officials announced Thursday evening. However, the city received the information from one of the people that contracted COVID-19 and not county health officials who were aware of the cases.

The person called the City by phone and stated that he tested positive for the new coronavirus by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and has been self-isolation in a Manhattan Beach home along with the other reported local case. The two people had traveled overseas with a larger group when they became ill, the City news release said.

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The City of Manhattan Beach said they made multiple attempts to contact the county Department of Public Health to confirm the cases, but have not received information back. Supervisor Janice Hahn told city officials that the Department of Public Health will not confirm or report COVID-19 illnesses to the city unless there is "known public exposure or need to cancel an event or close a facility," the City news release said.

"This is very disturbing and seriously disappointing to say the least," Mayor Richard Montgomery said. "Not being able to obtain information about COVID-19 cases in our own community is counterproductive to our common goal of protecting our residents."

Earlier this week, the City of Manhattan Beach said rumors of coronavirus within the city were unfounded.

The City will be announcing event cancellations, postponements and other modifications to city operations at a later time.

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, visit the L.A. County Department of Public Health and the City of Manhattan Beach website.