Arcadia to Suspend Large Events for Seniors Due to COVID-19 Concerns

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Arcadia is suspending all large scale public events featuring a high concentration of older adults in order to help slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is in response to additional guidance received from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The suspension will include all city-sponsored events with an expected attendance of over 100 persons featuring attendees who are mostly age 55 and over. The suspension will initially be in effect until April 12, 2020; however, the City of Arcadia will continue to actively evaluate this dynamic situation and may need to extend the suspensions further.

Currentevidence indicates that the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases withage and individuals with underlying medical conditions are also considered tobe at higher risk for severe illness. Large community events bring people frommultiple communities in close contact with each other and have the potential toincrease community spread of COVID-19. One method to slow the transmission ofthe disease is by increasing social distancing (reducing close contact).

Therefore,the City of Arcadia is adopting the recommendations and guidance of CDPH withthe goal of: (1) protecting attendees, event workers, and the local communityfrom infection; and (2) reducing community transmission and introduction ofCOVID-19 into new communities.

There arecurrently no reported cases of COVID-19 in Arcadia.Per the latest information from local, state, and federal publichealth officials, the risk of contracting the virus remains low. There are stepsindividuals can take to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Theseinclude:

• Wash yourhands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoidtouching face (eyes, nose, and mouth) with unwashed hands.
• Avoid closecontact with people who are sick.
• Stay homewhen you are sick.
• Cover yourcough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
• Clean anddisinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Anyone whowas recently in an area that is currently experiencing a high infection rate ofCOVID-19 and feels sick with a fever, cough, or has difficulty breathing within14 days after leaving should:

• Seek medicalcare right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, patientsshould call ahead and tell them about their recent travel and symptoms.
• Self-quarantineand avoid contact with others.
• Not travelwhile sick.
• Cover theirmouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands) when coughing orsneezing.
• Wash handsoften with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virusto others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are notavailable.

For moreinformation regarding the COVID-19, visit any of the following websites:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – publichealth.lacounty.gov.
• California Department of Public Health – cdph.ca.gov.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – cdc.gov.

For more information regarding the City of Arcadia’s response to COVID-19 along with future updates regarding city events and services, visit ArcadiaCA.gov or call (626) 574-5401. The city website also now includes a page dedicated to COVID-19.

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