Menlo Park Actions To Prepare For Coronavirus

From the City of Menlo Park:

March 4, 2020

The City of Menlo Park is working closely with San Mateo County on response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or “coronavirus.” San Mateo County Health is the lead agency responsible for prevention and response to infectious disease within San Mateo County. As we continue to monitor the situation and take steps to prepare, officials emphasize that the health and safety of our community is our first priority.

San Mateo County actions

San Mateo County officials have declared both a local emergency and a local health emergency, which is a preparative move that allows county officials to seek state and federal aid, should it be needed. County Manager Mike Callagy emphasized, “Our use of the term ‘emergency’ in the declarations is legally required and doesn’t suggest the situation has escalated.” Following the state’s own emergency declaration, the County’s two announcements enable it to receive financial resources and place it in the best position to respond to public health needs.

Due to potential spread of misinformation, especially online and through social media networks, it is recommended that community members seek the facts from reliable sources like San Mateo County Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Menlo Park’s coronavirus website at menlopark.org/coronavirus provides information and links to both.

San Mateo County has announced the creation of a COVID-19 public call center that will be operating starting by noon, Thursday, March 5. The center will take calls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and provide support for both English and non-English speakers seeking information about the novel coronavirus. The number is 650-363-4422.

City of Menlo Park actions

In addition to regular communication and coordination between the City of Menlo Park and the County, staff has taken the following proactive, preventative steps to reduce health risks and address concerns:

• Initiated a review and update of all plans and protocols for public health emergencies to be shared with city staff
• All city facilities are being cleaned regularly, with special emphasis and attention on disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces (including doors, handles, sinks, drinking fountains, elevator buttons, counters, tables, office and self-service equipment, conference rooms and classrooms)
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are being used
• Child care participants are required to wash hands with soap and water upon entering our facilities and any time after returning from outdoors
• Further messaging is being developed for employees, specific user groups and community members

Mayor Cecilia Taylor stated, “At this time, it is important for us all to take our own preventative measures. We need to focus on what we can do at home, at work and in our daily lives to be safe, minimize the spread of germs and be prepared. Please be assured that the City of Menlo Park is coordinating with officials, reviewing and updating our plans, and operating in the best interest of all of our residents.”

Actions you can take

Health officials advise us to reduce the risk of getting sick by taking simple, preventative measures that are used to reduce impacts of seasonal colds or flu viruses, including:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol
• Avoid shaking hands or touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze properly
• Stay home and avoid public or crowded areas if don’t feel well
• Get your flu shot to protect against flu or symptoms similar to COVID-19
• If you have recently returned from regions with ongoing COVID-19 impacts, monitor your health and immediately call your physician if you experience flu-like symptoms

You can also prepare for the possible disruption caused by an outbreak:

• Make sure you have a supply of all essential medications for your family
• Make a child care plan for if you or a caregiver are sick
• Make arrangements for how your family will manage a school closure, if necessary
• Make a plan for how you can care for a sick family member without getting sick yourself

For the latest information on the outbreak, please visit

• San Mateo County Health, smchealth.org/coronavirus
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov/coronavirus
• City of Menlo Park, menlopark.org/coronavirus

The City of Menlo Park, in coordination with San Mateo County Health, is providing this information to answer common questions and keep the community informed with reliable facts. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.

This press release was produced by the City of Menlo Park. The views expressed here are the author’s own.