Torrance Preparedness for COVID-19

TORRANCE, Calif., March 4, 2020 – The City of Torrance has been in coordination concerning COVID-19 (commonly referred to novel coronavirus) with local area hospitals, the school district, and Los Angeles County Public Health Department to address preparedness and prevention.
Today, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Board) and the Department of Public Health (Public Health), along with health departments countywide declared a health emergency, which includes the City of Torrance.  The purpose of the declaration is to mobilize resources, accelerate planning, streamline staffing, coordinate across government agencies, prepare for future reimbursement by state and federal governments, and raise awareness throughout the region.
The City activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to better coordinate all related activities and urges residents and visitors to get the facts and take positive steps to reduce their risk.  The City is taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus by sharing everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.  City staff has posted basic health precautions signage, regularly sanitizing public counters (including libraries), door handles, equipment, and providing antibacterial hand sanitizers at counters.
 
LA County Public Health recommends that the public do the following to protect themselves from all respiratory illnesses:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the restroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
• Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick.
• Get a flu immunization shot to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

If you have questions regarding city business please contact the appropriate department. In the
event of emergency call 911. For Non-Emergency Fire contact (310) 781-7042. For Non-
Emergency Police contact (310) 618-5641. Stay informed by following us on Facebook and Twitter
@TorranceCA and visiting www.CityofTorranceCA.com.
 
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus):

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
• California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html
• World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

​Updated  3.12.20 to update City's temporary website address