City of Lodi, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, Lodi Unified and
Lodi Chamber urge community members to follow COVID-19 guidance
LODI – Although many Lodi residents, businesses and other groups are following public health officials’ guidance to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, others need to intensify their efforts, local leaders said today.
Lodi Mayor Doug Kuehne, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial President Daniel Wolcott, Lodi Unified Superintendent Cathy Nichols-Washer and Lodi Chamber of Commerce President Pat Patrick urge all of Lodi to comply with recommendations to maintain social distancing of remaining at least six feet from others, as well as refrain from gathering in groups of 10 or more people. Detailed guidance for individuals, businesses and organizations is available from the California Department of Public Health Services (CDPH).
“Each of us need to do our part, as a community and as a nation, to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Kuehne said. “We’re in the early stages of this outbreak. Following the measures recommended by health leaders at the federal, state and local levels will allow us to protect the health of countless Americans.”
President Trump on Monday asked that Americans stay at home except for essential travel for the next 15 days, and to comply with guidelines issued by state and local authorities.
City Manager Steve Schwabauer proclaimed a local health emergency on Monday in response to the pandemic, which the City Council is scheduled to ratify on Wednesday. The proclamation allows the City to request State and federal funds designated for local health efforts.
The four community leaders today urged businesses to find creative ways of serving their customers at a distance, such as curbside pick-up and delivery and to encourage employees to work from home when possible, in accordance with CDPH guidelines. They also encouraged residents to patronize those businesses that are following the recommendations.
“These are extraordinary times and we know the guidelines create a hardship for many,” Patrick said. “But these are the steps we must follow so we can emerge from this threat sooner than later.”
Today’s joint statement is not intended to cause panic in the community, but to serve as a reminder that although most people can recover from a coronavirus infection, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable.
COVID-19 can be spread by persons who are unaware they are infected, and the virus can remain viable for days at a time depending on the surface, making it particularly difficult to stop.
San Joaquin County Public Health Services on Wednesday reported the county’s first two deaths from COVID-19 complications.
While Adventist Health Lodi Memorial is prepared to treat patients with COVID-19, beds and equipment are limited. Preventing or slowing the virus’ spread will allow the hospital to better serve those needing intense treatment, Wolcott said.
“It is critically important that we all think differently about this crisis,” Wolcott said. “We must heed the counsel of our public health leaders and take precautions seriously. We must encourage those we know to self-isolate and curtail any activity that puts others in connection with anyone who may be infected.”
For more information about COVID-19, visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDPH and San Joaquin County Public Health Services.
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