SONIA ANGELL: I'm Dr. Sonia Angell, Director
of the California Department of Public Health
and State Public Health Officer.
2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19,
is a new kind of coronavirus, and we
understand that the unknowns can create worry.
And that's why we're closely monitoring
the situation in the US and abroad,
gathering information and learning about this virus.
We're working closely with the US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, as well as our local health officials
and doctors across the state.
We're active and responding.
Our priority at the California Department of Public Health
is protecting the health of all Californians
and the millions who visit our state,
and we're doing everything in our power
to keep people healthy.
There is a lot we don't know about this virus.
But there's also lots we do know,
and we're learning more every day.
As a doctor and an epidemiologist,
I use science and evidence to guide my work.
I've heard and seen some information
out there that isn't quite right,
and it may be adding to the fear.
So I wanted to share with you a bit about what we do know.
The family of coronaviruses has been around for some time.
Some coronavirus are common, like the ones
that cause the common cold.
The cause of the current outbreak
that originated in China, however,
is a new member of this coronavirus family.
There have been a limited number of confirmed cases of COVID-19
in California to date.
We do expect there to be more cases.
We are prepared and are taking action
to help prevent further spread.
I've heard people ask if they should
steer clear of public events or businesses or restaurants
to avoid becoming sick with COVID-19.
The fact is that California has had
a limited number of COVID-19 cases,
and we don't have indication of it spreading widely
in our communities.
Right now, the best prevention is
similar to precautions you would be taking
to prevent getting the flu.
You should wash your hands with soap and warm water,
cover your cough and sneeze, and stay home when sick.
And what about surgical masks?
Well, along with the CDC, we recommend their use
only for those who are sick and for health care providers
and others who are in close contact with people
who are sick or who are at higher risk for developing
COVID-19 disease.
If you feel sick and have recently been to China,
or have had close contact with someone who has had COVID-19,
contact your health care provider or health department
and notify them of your travel history and close contacts.
That way, they can prepare for your arrival
at the doctor's office.
We're all hearing about deaths reported in China,
and there have been a few in other countries as well.
However, what we know about the virus
is that it's mostly causing mild illness.
In the United States, we've had a limited number
of cases and no deaths to date.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't worry about it.
We do worry about it, particularly because this virus
is new and because it's affecting lots of people,
especially in China.
When lots of people are affected,
it increases the likelihood that some
will have more serious illness.
We want to prevent or slow its spread in the US
and in California.
That's why we're collaborating with our federal and local
partners on making sure that those
who may be at highest risk, like people who are just returning
from China, are kept apart from others until we
know that they won't get sick themselves or get others sick.
There's lots of information out there,
and social media is a place where many of us
get information these days.
But when you hear something, please consider the source
as you think about how it should influence your behavior.
The California Department of Public Health, the CDC,
and local public health departments
are continuously updating our websites
with the most recent, factual information
available on COVID-19.
For updates, visit our website at cdph.ca.gov.
It's natural to be concerned in a time like this, which
is why California health officials are closely
monitoring COVID-19.
This is a time for our state to come together
in all of our diversity, to support our neighbors
and communities, to keep all of us healthy.