Sacramento County is proclaiming today a public health emergency and a local emergency in order to ensure appropriate resources and funding are available to the County in its response to COVID-19, also known as 2019 novel coronavirus.
The proclamations of a public health emergency and local emergency do not signify an increased risk to the residents of Sacramento County. A proclamation of emergency allows the County to provide or receive mutual aid from other jurisdictions and assists in opening up available resources, mutual aid and staffing.
The proclamations follow the State of California’s proclamation of emergency on March 4 regarding COVID-19 and the funding that would be made available. Proclaiming a local emergency is a prerequisite for requesting and receiving any available federal or state funding.
“Our intent in proclaiming a state of emergency in response to the spread of COVID-19 is to ensure uninterrupted access to the resources necessary to keep people as safe as possible and lessen disease transmission,” said Phil Serna, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. “The proclamation should not be considered a reason for elevated concern; in fact, it is quite the opposite as it helps us in our mission to contain the virus.”
The County continues to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health on coordinated testing, investigations, and providing guidance and assistance to health providers in monitoring for acute respiratory illness and gathering information to detect new cases for laboratory testing and confirming infection.
While there is no vaccine for COVID-19, there are ways to minimize risk from respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
