While health officials search for new language to quantify the troubling increase in cases of COVID-19, San Marino Fire Chief Mario Rueda insisted there is no magic bullet with which to combat the pandemic.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Monday reported that a person dies from the disease every eight minutes in the county, while noting an 898% increase in cases since Dec. 1.
San Marino ended 2020 with 244 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic’s beginning, but as of press time Tuesday that number had grown to 289 — an increase of almost 20% in less than two weeks. Deaths from COVID in San Marino also increased, from 8 to 11 in just one week’s time. On a wider basis, the county approached the 1 million mark in COVID cases, with 932,697 reported as of Tuesday. Countywide, the death toll rose to 12,387.
Rueda said data has shown that in the county, outbreaks are occurring at airports, workplaces, stores, schools and fitness classes.
“County health officials are asking all of us to think of January as a critical month to take extra precautions to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Rueda. “The risk of transmission is so high, now is the time to be extremely cautious.”
Rueda suggested what amounts to a “back to basics” approach, which includes avoiding all gatherings and crowds, shopping only for essentials and at off hours, avoid visiting others or having them visit you, avoiding eating or drinking in the presence of others not in your household, washing and sanitizing your hands every hour when around others, and wearing a face covering in your home if you live with individuals who are elderly or have health conditions.
Rueda was asked about a possible closure of Lacy Park and other high-traffic areas in San Marino, but said there are no plans to restrict access.
“The San Marino Fire Department, as always, reminds all residents to wear your face coverings and maintain physical distancing whenever you leave your home,” said Rueda.
Fire Chief Re-Emphasizes Basics in Fight Against Virus
