SUPERVISOR BARGER, MAYOR GARCETTI AND OTHER OFFICIALS PROVIDE UPDATE ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS REGARDING CORONAVIRUS

LOS ANGELES—Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board of Supervisors was joined by Supervisor Hilda Solis, City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District Austin Buetner, and Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo to provide an update and the response to new state guidance regarding public gatherings.

“In response to the latest announcement from California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding public gatherings and meetings, Los Angeles County is taking steps to further mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “These protective and cautious measures are being put into place to help us alleviate further implications of the virus and contain transmissions as much as possible to protect individuals throughout Los Angeles County. We continue to ask for the public’s support in helping us contain further spread,” she continued.

During the press conference, Supervisor Barger announced that the county will limit the Board of Supervisors’ meetings and will determine how to best conduct the people’s business while protecting the public at the highest level possible. The county is also looking to reschedule events that meet the large-scale criterion. 

Dr. Barbara Ferrer updated the current number of coronavirus cases with three new identified cases, bringing the total number of cases in Los Angeles County to 32. These cases include four cases reported by our partners in the City of Long Beach, and one case reported by the City of Pasadena, which have independent city health departments. This also includes four cases as the result of community transmission.

Supervisor Barger also indicated efforts to address the burden that the outbreak is having on local businesses. “I am working with Supervisor Hilda Solis to identify the small businesses and non-profits that are being negatively impacted by the coronavirus and will assist them with applying for loans and assistance that is being offered by the Federal Government and others,” said Supervisor Barger.

The coronavirus, a communicable disease, was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019.  COVID-19 has since spread globally to more than 40 countries, infecting more than 80,000 people and killing approximately 3,000 individuals worldwide. COVID-19 has created conditions that are likely to be beyond the control of local resources and will require additional support.