No cases of COVID-19 — novel coronavirus — have been reported in Santa Clarita Valley

There were no known cases of the novel coronavirus in the Santa Clarita Valley as of Tuesday, but the community is encouraged to take preventative steps as residents continue their regular activities, according to health officials.

Los Angeles County is not releasing exact locations of known COVID-19 cases, according to Michelle Vega, spokeswoman for county Supervisor Kathryn Barger. However, Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth said Tuesday at the City Council meeting that there were no cases reported across the city.

There were also none reported at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital as of Monday, according to spokesman Patrick Moody.

Still, the local community is encouraged to practice good public health hygiene as the coronavirus sweeps into California communities at the height of the flu season.

“The main messages right now are: Stay home if you are sick, wash hands and minimize close contact,” said Carrie Lujan, city communications manager.

Santa Clarita, which does not have its own department of health, falls under the umbrella of the county and its Public Health Department, meaning it works closely with the county to prepare for any potential impacts.

Los Angeles County, which

declared a state of emergency last week, announced Tuesday a new case of the COVID-19, after reporting on Monday its first case of community transmission, which brought its total count to 20.

“With more cases, we are urging people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and the elderly to practice social distancing by avoiding non-essential travel, public events, community gatherings, and indoor venues,” Barbara Ferrer, director of the county’s Department of Public Health, said in a statement.

In addition to the cases reported by the county, three were reported by the city of Long Beach. The latest case involved a county resident who returned to LAX from Iran and is in isolation at home, according to Ferrer.

Public Health officials continue to monitor new cases and identify all close contacts, she said, adding that a close contact would be someone who spent about 10 minutes with an infected person or was within 6 feet of someone who has coronavirus.

Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Feeling sick?

For those who are mildly sick, he or she is expected to stay home, avoiding public areas and emergency rooms. But if there is concern that one has been exposed to COVID-19, an individual should call his or her doctor first, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Personal health care providers need to guide patients on whether it is appropriate to get tested for the coronavirus, as the county Public Health lab’s testing capacity is limited, said Ferrer.

Bridge to Home has begun informing individuals experiencing homelessness in the SCV to take the same precautions, said Executive Director Mike Foley.

School measures

The county has not recommended any school closures and none have been announced by any local districts. For K-12 schools, the focus is on enhancing cleaning and minimizing people who are sick from attending campuses, as well as to have preparedness plans readily available.

Should there be a confirmed case in a school, “we will work with the recommendation that could include closure of that school,” said Ferrer.

College of the Canyons and the California State University system said Tuesday classes were not canceled and there are no confirmed cases on any campuses. Both have already augmented cleaning.

Stop attending public gatherings?

Residents are encouraged to continue their regular activities as there is no immediate threat to the general public, the city of Santa Clarita said on its website.

“We have not taken the action to cancel any citysponsored events (in Santa Clarita),” said Smyth, mentioning that there’s no plan to cancel the Cowboy Festival next month.

Across the county, Public Health officials are looking into large, ticketed events should there come a point to close or postpone events, said Ferrer.

City officials stated in a recent news release that they’re meeting with organizations that include the SCV Sheriff’s Station, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol to develop strategies for emergency preparedness as it regularly does.