Earlier this week, the City of Long Beach declared a State of Emergency to further strengthen our ability to prepare and respond to the coronavirus. Please know that at this time, there are no cases of coronavirus reported in Long Beach.

This week’s emergency declarations are legal documents that allow the city to mobilize quickly, accelerate emergency planning, coordinate agencies across the city, and raise awareness throughout Long Beach about how everyone can prepare if the coronavirus appears in our community. Los Angeles and Orange County counties have issued similar declarations to bolster their preparedness and Governor Newsom has declared a State of Emergency for California so the state can deploy as many public health resources as possible to combat the virus.

As we’ve said before, the City of Long Beach is doing everything in our power to keep our community safe.

• The Long Beach Airport is undergoing extra cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects.
• We are in the process of making hand sanitizer available in every public facility.
• We are working with major employers, local businesses, and those serving seniors to give them and their workforce guidance.
• At the Port of Long Beach, crews on ships arriving from China are being quarantined on the vessels.
• And we are working with our partners at our university, city college, and school district to coordinate and prepare for any outbreak.

Long Beach’s outstanding public health teams will be continuing to work with officials from around the county and the state to try and prevent the virus from spreading. We are also stepping up our efforts to protect the most vulnerable, such as seniors and people with compromised immune systems.

For the general public, please be cautious and remember to wash your hands with soap frequently and thoroughly. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

Coronavirus usually begins with the symptoms of a fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately. You can visit our Health Department website for more information about coronavirus and the cities efforts to combat it.

Stay safe and Go Long Beach,

Mayor Robert Garcia