California Spinecare Institute is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Useful resources include  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and LA County Department of Public Health.

The County of Los Angeles Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, or places where large groups of people congregate, such as ticketed events (such as theaters, concert halls, and sporting events) if you are at higher risk of getting very sick from infection, such as the elderly (65 or older), people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women.
• Abstain from all cruise ship travel, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• Follow all social distancing recommendations issued by Public Health.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home until you have been fever-free for 72 hours, except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
• Event organizers should consider postponing or cancelling non-essential community events, especially those that may be attended by the elderly, pregnant women, or people with chronic health conditions.

As the California Spinecare Institute continues to remain proactive in monitoring and responding to COVID-19, it is vital to practice every day preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• Staying home if you are sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough;
• Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Contact your primary care physician if symptoms develop;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick;
• Cleaning surfaces that are touched often;
• Having an ample supply of essentials at home (including water, food, hygiene, medications, and pet food);
• Planning for the possibility of business disruptions, school closures, and modifications/cancellations of select public events;
• Practicing simple social distancing strategies that limit your exposure to others who may be ill (verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs, not sharing utensils, cups and linens, staying six feet apart from others at public events);
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional