Sacramento County has declared a public health emergency in reaction to the continuing spread of COVID-19, which is the latest type of coronavirus. County officials said on Thursday that they issued the declaration to ensure appropriate resources and funding are available to the county.
Those same officials clarified that the declaration does not signify an increased risk to the residents of Sacramento County, but they are necessary to allow the county to request and receive any available federal or state funding. This comes a day after Governor Gavin Newsom also declared a statewide health emergency regarding COVID-19 to trigger federal available federal funding for California's response to the virus.
"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 County Supervisor Phil Serna. "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 is working 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 COVID-19 and other acute respiratory illnesses.
Health care professionals said, while there is no vaccine for COVID-19, there are ways to minimize risk from respiratory viruses:
- 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.