As of Mar.4, Los Angeles Mayor Gavin Newsom, has declared a state of emergency because of the Coronavirus. This is in response to the state’s first death related to the the virus, of a cruise ship attendee. Newsom declared the state of emergency to help combat the growing virus, with a total of 54 cases in the United States.  

The Cruise ship passenger, originally from Washington, died Wednesday In Placer County California. Bringing the global death toll to 11, with 17 confirmed cases in the U.S.. As for the entire world, there are over 78 countries which have been hit with the virus.

Leaving from San Francisco to Mexico, this cruise ship had over 2,500 passengers, more than 50% were Californians. 11 passengers and 10 crew members were showing symptoms of the virus. Governor Newsom doesn’t want to belittle these numbers and says “It may need an abundance of caution.”

Newsom also ordered for the ship to not hit shore, not until all passengers are properly screened. However this will be difficult, giving the fact that symptoms for the virus and that of the common cold are very similar.

This incident is just a speck of what’s going on, not only in the U.S. but all around the globe. This Coronavirus related death made some changes to what we thought we already knew about the disease. Because of what happened on the cruise ship The World Health Organization, or ‘WHO’ is stating that it might be more lethal than expected, but not as easily transmittable. This also goes to show how much we know about the disease, that has now been around for a year.

Congressional action taken by Los Angeles includes a 8.3 billion dollar emergency funding. This information comes from a press release sent out by Congresswomen Grace F. Napolitano.

Prevention and Treatment.

With no way of knowing how the disease spreads, there are ways you can help prevent yourself from catching the virus.  According to the CDC, some of the best things you could do are practically the same as if you were to have any other sickness.

• Staying home while sick
• avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid others who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

Some people have even taken on wearing a surgical mask, thinking it’ll help prevent catching the disease. Unfortunately this isn’t effective, unless you’re already sick.