What You Need to Know About COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness, like the common cold, that is caused by a novel (new) coronavirus–in some cases, it is fatal. On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, a cure for COVID-19 does not exist.

The City of Duarte continues to cooperate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to prevent the spread of the coronavirus here in our community and throughout the County. Through our Safer at Home efforts, we’ve slowed the spread of the coronavirus. This has allowed for a phased reopening of some businesses and public spaces (see the County’s Road to Recovery Roadmap and our Recover Duarte webpage for details).

The risk of contracting COVID-19 remains high. To protect yourself, please follow these safety protocols when in public or close proximity to others. Individual actions protect more than just one person from this highly contagious disease. They protect loved ones, neighbors and their loved ones and the broader community. Remember, we are all in this together.

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How can I protect myself and others?

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Practice social distancing by opting for verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs; not sharing utensils, cups and linens; and staying 6 feet apart from others at public events.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, trash cans, phones, remote controls, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables) using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product that cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs). 
• Get immunized against the flu to protect yourself and your family.
• Wear face coverings when leaving your house. Acceptable, reusable face covering options include: bandanas, neck gaiters, homemade face coverings, scarves, tightly woven fabric (such as cotton t-shirts and some types of towels). Visit our Mask Up Duarte webpage to learn about our locally-enforceable ordinance and for instructions on making your own homemade face covering.
  
  

How is it spread?

• Through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• From touching surfaces and then touching your face
• Close personal contact, such as caring for an infected person

If you believe you’ve been exposed, self quarantine for up to two weeks. See DPH's Quarantine Instructions webpage and its Home Isolation Instructions webpage for further guidance.

What are the symptoms?

Some people are asymptomatic, which means they are infected with the virus but do not experience symptoms. Others experience mild to extreme symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever or chills
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• New loss of sense of taste or smell

 If you are sick, please visit DPH’s webpage for instructions on what to do if you are sick.

How can I get tested?

Residents who are interested in getting tested are encouraged to first contact their Primary Care Provider.

If you do not have access to this care or are unable to contact them, free testing is available across the county. Visit the Los Angeles County testing webpage to find a location near you and register.

What should I do if a business or person isn’t following precautions?

 All reports of businesses or persons disregarding Safer at Home orders should be reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s File a Report webpage.

March 12, 2020: The City of Duarte activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support State and County actions to preserve public health (see Mayor Kang’s statement regarding COVID-19).

March 17, 2020: The City Manager declared a local emergency in response to the pandemic, and the Duarte City Council ratified that action on March 24. A proclamation of a local emergency allows the City to:

• Mobilize local resources
• Coordinate interagency response
• Accelerate procurement of vital supplies
• Use mutual aid
• Seek reimbursement from State and Federal governments
• Make or issue rules and regulations reasonably related to the protection of life and property
• Require emergency services of any city employee

July 28, 2020: The Duarte City Council approved an urgency ordinance requiring all members of the public, who are physically able, to wear face coverings. Please visit our Mask Up Duarte webpage for more on the locally enforceable ordinance.

Maintaining the health and safety of our residents has been and continues to be the City’s first priority. City leaders and staff are monitoring the evolving pandemic and taking actions based on state and county guidelines. To keep COVID-19 from spreading in our community and burdening our healthcare system, City of Duarte leaders implemented temporary limitations on City operations and facilities. These preventative measures are in place until further notice. Please visit our Changes to City Operations, Facilities, Parks webpage for details.

Have you signed up for Duarte Emergency Alerts?

If you live, work or pass through Duarte, please sign up for Duarte Emergency Alerts on Nixle today. The City uses this mass communication system to notify you of critical information during an emergency or disaster.

Also stay up to date on emergency alerts and other notices related to COVID-19 via our social media: