The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed 25 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To date, LA County Public Health said it has identified 94 cases total; of these.

“Without a specific vaccine or treatment for this disease, social distancing is the most effective and readily available tool we have to slow the spread of novel coronavirus,” the department cautioned.

Of the 16 news cases identified over the weekend, one has an unspecified source; three were due to recent travel; two cases were healthcare workers exposed in a healthcare setting; four had close contact with a confirmed case; and five are pending more investigation as to case. One case was reported by the Long Beach Health Department late Saturday. 

Public health said it is investigating these cases and will notify people who may have had close personal contact with these individuals, including any friends, family members or health care professionals, to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined.

 “We anticipate more cases and increased community spread as more testing occurs,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County Public Health director. “We are asking everyone to expect more social distancing requirements as more cases are identified. Please do not call 911 to request testing for COVID-19 and please do not go to our emergency rooms unless you are seriously ill and require emergency care.”

People with respiratory illness who want to know if they should be tested for COVID-19, are urged to call their health care provider or call 2-1-1 for help finding a local clinician, she added.  

Anyone who is even mildly sick with a fever should stay home. Call your doctor if you are concerned or your symptoms worsen. People who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or are pregnant should consider contacting their providers as early as possible when they are sick. 

Trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus are:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

California Department of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus