Assisted-Living Employee Has Coronavirus In Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA — An employee at a Redondo Beach assisted-living community was diagnosed with the new coronavirus, and two residents were hospitalized with "fever and respiratory symptoms," the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

The staff member reported symptoms on March 6 and was sent home, a statement from Kensington Redondo Beach, obtained by the Times, said. The employee was hospitalized, placed on paid medical leave “and will not return to the community until after they have been cleared by a doctor,” the facility said.

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The two residents hospitalized have not been confirmed to have coronavirus, and the statement said no other residents were showing symptoms. The supervisor of the staff member with coronavirus also showed "flu-like symptoms" and was instructed to self-quarantine and not return to work for at least 14 days, according to the Times.

“Our teams are getting creative and setting up virtual ways for residents and family members to connect in lieu of in-person visits,” Robert May, executive director of The Kensington Redondo Beach, told the Daily Breeze. “They can arrange for these virtual visits through FaceTime or video chats.”

Kensington will work closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Health for further direction, May told the newspaper.

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.

Kensington Redondo Beach is at 801 S Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

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