The City of Beverly Hills is closely monitoring the current outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) that originated in China in December 2019. 

The City is working to ensure the continued health and safety of our community and has provided some tips for practicing good hygiene and staying healthy such as: 

• Keep touchpoints clean - these are places that many people touch; such as door handles, counters, phones, keyboards, remote controls, etc.
• Wash your hands - wash many times during the day, for at least 20 seconds. If you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. 
• Maintain good personal hygiene and avoid touching your face.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick or if you feel sick stay home. Also, consider reducing unnecessary close contact with others by avoiding handshakes or hugs.

 Additionally, the City of Beverly Hills has provided some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below:

1. What is the City doing to prepare for the Novel Coronavirus?

The City's leadership and Pandemic Planning Committee, active since 2006, have been meeting to prepare for any potential impacts from the Novel Coronavirus or any other emerging disease.

2. Who is responsible for providing direction to the City regarding an infectious disease protocol?

The City of Beverly Hills works in partnership with local, state and federal health officials (including the CDC and LA County Department of Public Health) to receive guidance and coordinate response.

3. Is City staff trained to deal with Novel Coronavirus?

Yes. The City's emergency personnel are trained and capable to respond to any emerging disease, including the Novel Coronavirus, and implement appropriate healthcare protocols.

4. Will the City continue to operate normally if the Novel Coronavirus arrives here?

Yes. The City has business continuity plans in place for all departments and services to ensure the continuing operation of City government.

5. What can I do to prevent contracting the Novel Coronavirus or any other viruses?

The best way to stay healthy is eating well and practicing good hygiene such as frequently washing your hands and utilizing hand sanitizer, keeping a distance between anyone who is coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching the face and staying home if you feel unwell.

6. What are symptoms of Novel Coronavirus?

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms could appear approximately 2-14 days after exposure such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC advises anyone who is experiencing these symptoms that has either been in close contact with a person known to have Novel Coronavirus or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread to contact their doctor.

7. How do I get tested?

Your healthcare professional will work with your state's public health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for Novel Coronavirus.

8. Who is at risk if they come in contact with Novel Coronavirus?

Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact with a patient with symptomatic, confirmed Novel Coronavirus and those who live in or have recently been to areas with sustained transmission. Additionally, vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease are most at risk.

9. How should I prepare for the spreading of the virus and the potential need to stay at home?

 Residents should stock up on food, medicine, medical supplies, hygienic products and other necessities for at least 7-14 days and continue to monitor City communication channels and local media. Residents should also sign up to receive notifications by visiting beverlyhills.org/emergencynotification or texting BEVHILLS to 888777.

    10. Do I need to wear a facemask in public?

Facemasks should always be an item in your personal emergency kit, however, the CDC does not recommend routine use of a facemask or respirator. Most often, spread of respiratory viruses from person-to-person happens among close contact (within 6 feet).

    11. Can I travel?

At this time, the CDC recommends that people avoid all nonessential travel to mainland China, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan. Check the CDC's webpage (cdc.gov) for up-to-date recommendations before you travel. Additionally, review any travel advisories by visiting travel.state.gov.

   12. Should I stop attending events with crowds of people?

According to the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, should there be significant community transmission, it is recommended to modify, postpone or cancel large conferences or events where people are in close contact with one another for an extended period of time.

13. Where can I find additional information about the Novel Coronavirus?

 City of Beverly Hills website: beverlyhills.org/novelcoronavirus; City of Beverly Hills Office of Emergency Management (dial 310-285-1014); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov (dial 800-232-4636) and the LA County Department of Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov (dial the LA County Hotline for any health and human services needs at 2-1-1).