The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health to respond to reports of coronavirus (COVID-19) as it is quickly evolving. No cases have been reported in San Bernardino County.
As of March 5, 2020, there are a total of 53 positive cases (24 are from repatriation flights) and one death in California. The other 29 confirmed cases include 12 that are travel related, seven due to person-to-person exposure from family contact, three due to person-to-person exposure in a health care facility and four from unknown sources. Although Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency to help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19, the health risk from COVID-19 to the general public in San Bernardino County remains low at this time.
As with any virus, especially during the cold and flu season, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for 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.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- If someone does become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough, they should stay away from work, school or other people to avoid spreading illness and seek assistance from their healthcare provider if symptoms become severe.
- N95 masks are not recommended outside a healthcare setting. Surgical masks can be worn by sick individuals to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs to others.
Please visit the DPH COVID-19 webpage at wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus. Information is updated as soon as it is made available. The following information has been updated on the webpage:
- Information for healthcare professionals
- Information for communities to include CDC’s Interim Guidance: For Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events and Community- and Faith-Based Organizations
- Added information for laboratories
To learn more about COVID-19, visit the DPH COVID-19 webpage or call (800) 722-4794.