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.
Current evidence indicates that the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age and individuals with underlying medical conditions are also considered to be at higher risk for severe illness. Large community events bring people from multiple communities in close contact with each other and have the potential to increase community spread of COVID-19. One method to slow the transmission of the disease is by increasing social distancing (reducing close contact).
Therefore, the City of Arcadia is adopting the recommendations and guidance of CDPH with the goal of: (1) protecting attendees, event workers, and the local community from infection; and (2) reducing community transmission and introduction of COVID-19 into new communities.
There are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in Arcadia.Per the latest information from local, state, and federal public health officials, the risk of contracting the virus remains low. There are steps individuals can take to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching face (eyes, nose, and mouth) with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Anyone who was recently in an area that is currently experiencing a high infection rate of COVID-19 and feels sick with a fever, cough, or has difficulty breathing within 14 days after leaving should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, patients should call ahead and tell them about their recent travel and symptoms.
- Self-quarantine and avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
For more information 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.
