The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed 11 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Saturday afternoon, bringing the total county-wide to 53 cases; 8 are likely due to community transmission, the county said. Social distancing is the most effective tool we have to slow the spread of novel coronavirus.

Of the 11 new cases, two have unidentified sources of exposure, two are as the result of recent travel, four had “close contact” with a confirmed case and three cases are pending more investigation to determine cause. 

To date, LA County has identified 53 cases; of these, 8 cases are likely due to community transmission. Two of the cases confirmed today are hospitalized.

“Cases are occurring across LA County, so everyone should be aware and practice social distancing,” the Los Angeles County of Public Health cautioned in a release.

“Public Health has issued the following guidance during this time of increased spread:

• Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate.
• Event organizers postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings of 250 or more until at least the end of March.
• Smaller events proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person.
• Limit gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (people older than 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic illness) to no more than 10 people.
• This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services, including public transportation, airport travel or shopping.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home and call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen. Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
• Exclude employees and visitors with any fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and visitors with recent travel to any country or region with significant community transmission (including communities in the US) from all schools, businesses, and gatherings of any size.
• Follow all social distancing recommendations issued by Public Health.”