Doctor from local hospital to provide update at March 17 City Council meeting
The mayor this week described the novel coronavirus situation as “dynamic” and advised the public that information that the information changes at a rapid pace.
Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall said there would be an update from a Catalina Island Medical Center doctor at the next City Council meeting.
The meeting is currently scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 17.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause a number of diseases, including Covid-19, the disease that has infected individuals all over the world.
Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall gave a public service announcement outlining the city’s response to the crisis during broadcast from City Hall on Tuesday, March 10. The video, available on the city website, is 10 minutes 49 seconds long.
Marshall said it was the first in a series of public service announcements.
In related news:
• On March 11, the World Health Organization officially declared the disease caused by the novel coronavirus to be a pandemic.
• The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce has created a cornoavirus page (https://www.catalinachamber.com/community-information/public-health).
• On March 12, Princess Cruises announced it would voluntarily “pause” cruise ship operations throughout the world for 60 days. Princess line ships are among the vessels that visit Catalina.
Marshall’s address
“As we gain a better understanding of this disease, and how it acts in a real world situation, not just in a controlled laboratory setting, you should expect responses and strategies to change accordingly,” Marshall said.
“We are constantly assessing, refining, our approaches and strategies to address the information, updates, and guidelines we receive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, and the California state and local health departments,” Marshall said.
The mayor said the city would update the community on changes to guidelines from the CDC and other health agencies.
“Most importantly, do not panic,” Marshall said.
“We treat the public health and safety of the entire community, young and old, and everyone in between, with the utmost importance and reverence,” Marshall said.
She said the city’s decisions and strategies are thoughtfully evaluated to ensure Avalon provides the best services available to keep the community safe “given the information we have on hand at the time.”
According to Marshall, the city’s response would reflect the dynamic nature of the situation.
She said Covid-19 is a contagious respiratory illness.
“Transmission can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes without washing your hands after touching and infected surface,” Marshall said.
(Editor’s note: Six days ago, the CDC website reported that “[c]urrent evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.” The information does not appear to have been updated since.)
“Symptoms range from mild to severe,” Marshall said.
The symptoms:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
“The time from exposure to onset ranges from two to 14 days,” Marshall said.
She said the city has been following Covid-19 developments for weeks. Marshall said city officials participate in weekly telephone briefings with LA County health officials and the CDC. The Avalon Fire Department has also participated regularly in briefings for emergency first responders.
According to Marshall, city officials meet regularly with the Catalina Island Company, the Catalina Island Medical Center (the local hospital), the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other entities to share information.
Marshall said the Chamber of Commerce was working with local businesses to adopt cleaning procedures and to have employees stay home if they are ill.
She said the Medical Center has established enhanced patient screening procedures to minimize exposure and assess all individuals entering the hospital for Covid-19.
She said Catalina Express was using a stranger disinfectant and increasing access to hand sanitizers.
She said Long Beach Unified School District continues to send updates to parents. (See story, page ?????.)
She said the city continues to reach out to state, Federal, and regional partners.
“Recently, the CDC issues a travel advisory,” Marshall said. She said the advisory recommended that the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions defer all cruise ship travel worldwide, as well as to avoid crowded places and non-essential travel.
Marshall said individuals with existing health issues and seniors are at higher risk of having serious symptoms if they are infected with novel coronavirus.
“The cruise ship industry has implemented enhanced screening protocols for all crew members and passengers,” Marshall said.
She said the screening protocols include mandatory thermal scans and temperature checks before crew or passengers are allowed to board a ship. She said passengers and crew must fill out a questionnaire about their recent health and travel history.
Marshall said that any ship that suspects someone on board has the virus, they must contact the Coast Guard, which then contacts the CDC. She said the ship is then placed in a holding pattern.
Marshall said if anyone in the Avalon community is anxious about something they heard or read on social media, they should speak with City Manager Denise Radde or Assistant City Manager Michael Parmer.
Marshall reminded the public to avoid close contact with individuals who are sick; to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Marshall said if soap and water are not available, individuals should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
(Editor’s note: So-called rubbing alcohol contains 50% alcohol.)
Marshall advised the public to cover their sneezes and coughs with a tissue, then throw it away in the trash. Marshall advised cleaning and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.
She said if you are sick, stay home and practice self-isolation.
