The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Department of Health on Wednesday declared a local and public state of emergency after 6 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the last 48 hours in the county.
According to Fox LA, three of the infected patients recently traveled to Northern Italy, two patients had family members who live outside the area that had the virus, and the sixth patient has a job that requires them to make contact with travelers.
“We must remain vigilant,” said L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Kathryn Barger.
Barger also said the declaration was being made out of an abundance of caution and that the state and the federal government will continue to work together.
In addition, she made it clear that the local government, health care facilities, schools, and communities must be active in efforts to be prepared for more cases of the disease and should also follow the precautionary measures to help slow down the spread of the virus.
“Our main message is that the City of Los Angeles and cities of the county have done everything possible to be ready and this is everyone’s responsibility,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
