Manhattan Beach COVID-19 Positive Cases Jump From 7 To 23 In Week

Liz Spear
·2 min read

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The City of Manhattan Beach reported today [Wednesday, Oct. 28] that the number of positive tests for COVID-19 went from 7 during the week of October 12-18 to 23 for the week of October 19-25.

The city notes that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health "has issued a Health Advisory for private gatherings and public celebrations, advising Los Angeles County residents that the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission at gatherings/celebrations is high based on the increasing rate of COVID-19 community transmission in Los Angeles County. Since early October, the County’s average number of daily cases has increased from around 940 per day to almost 1,200 per day."

County and State health officials are advising individuals to take precautions during gatherings. Private gatherings of people who are not part of a single household or living unit must comply with the following requirements:

  • Attendance: Private gatherings that include more than three households are prohibited. The fewer the people, the lower the risk.

  • Outdoors only: All private gatherings must be held outside. Gatherings are permitted in a public park or other outdoor space.

  • Keep it short: Private gatherings should be limited to two hours or less in duration. Longer periods increase the risk of transmission.

  • Physical distancing and hand hygiene: All attendees must follow the social distancing protocol requirement. There should be a place to wash hands or hand sanitizer available for participants.

  • Singing, chanting, and shouting: Because singing, chanting and shouting increases the release of respiratory droplets into the air, these activities are strongly discouraged. However, if singing, chanting, and shouting does occur, to reduce respiratory droplets spread, all attendees must social distance and wear a face cover.

In its notice, the City of MB reminded residents of the following requirement: "Anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a private gathering must notify DPH [Los Angeles County Department of Public Health] and should notify the other attendees as soon as possible."

As of October 26, the City of Manhattan Beach, along with the entire Los Angeles County, remains in Tier One, with "widespread" risk and the most restrictions. "According to the city, "It is the community’s shared responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. By adhering to social distancing, wearing face coverings, hand washing, and avoiding crowds, confined spaces and close contact, we can collectively prevent future surges in coronavirus cases.

This article originally appeared on the Manhattan Beach Patch