City of Ferndale
Coronavirus Update
March 16, 2020

The City of Ferndale is actively monitoring the Coronavirus situation and is engaged with the California Department of Public Health. Although the city does not provide direct public health services, we want to make sure we distribute the latest information on how individuals and organizations can protect themselves.

The most recent guidance from the state to protect public health and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, recommends gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed until at least the end of the month. This includes conferences, festivals, parades, concerts or other type of assemblies. Smaller gatherings should allow social distancing of six feet per person or should also be postponed or cancelled. A copy of the guidance document can be found at the following CDPH website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Gathering_Guidance_03.11.20.pdf

In addition, it is recommended for anyone over the age of 65 or anyone with underlying health conditions to shelter in their homes.
In response to these guidelines, the city will be recommending that all events over 50 people at city facilities be cancelled, as well as gatherings that do not allow for six feet of space for social distancing.

Additional Information:

The City Meetings (City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review & Drainage) will be reconfigured to allow six feet of social distancing. This may limit the number of meeting attendees to a first come, first serve basis. The City will also provide, free of charge, a USB of the meetings for any public members who are not able to attend or choose to avoid the gathering.

Preventative Measures:
Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Stay home if you’re sick
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection

As a reminder, please use the following links to connect to current documents on how to protect you and your family. The City is closely monitoring and following the CDC and the California Department of Public Health guidelines for community and employer actions for COVID-19 to ensure we take our steps to prevent the spread and strain on our healthcare resources.

Guidance for Vulnerable Populations (that everyone can follow):
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH Document Library/High Risk Populations Guidance ADA Compliant 03.11.20.pdf

California Department of Public Health: Complete Overview and Guidance:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx

Link to sign up for local health alerts from Humboldt County DHHS.
https://humboldtgov.org/2018/Humboldt-Health-Alert