News Updates

Officials Monitoring Coronavirus

City of Carlsbad public safety officials continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus, coordinating closely with public health experts at the County of San Diego. At this time, residents are urged to stay informed and follow the same prevention steps that are recommended for the spread of the seasonal flu.

Simple health tips

• Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Monitoring, ready to respond
The County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor and respond to suspected cases in the San Diego region.

Carlsbad officials are participating in regular briefings with public health officials and have these taken initial steps to ensure the city is prepared:

• Ensured all plans and protocols for public health emergencies are up to date and shared with city staff, who serve as disaster service workers during an emergency.
• A team of city staff representing a cross section of city departments meets monthly to review preparedness plans and is ready to be activated for emergency coordination needs. The team was briefed on seasonal flu and coronavirus spread, and protocols in January and February.
• City first responders have received briefings on the coronavirus and are trained to handle patients who may have contagious diseases.
• The city has procured additional supplies and gear to have on hand if needed for a coronavirus response.

Symptoms and what to do

Patients infected with the coronavirus have reported:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

People should contact their health care provider with any specific concerns.

Travel concerns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a webpage that includes information and advice about coronavirus for travelers, including areas where travel advisories are in effect.

What if …
While there are currently NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Diego County, the potential for “community spread” – cases where the source of infection has not been identified – is significant. For this reason, all county residents are encouraged to practice hand hygiene and guard against the spread of any respiratory illness. Should community spread occur in San Diego, County Public Health and other agencies will post instructions.

Additional information

Call 2-1-1
San Diego County Health and Human Services frequently asked questions 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention frequently asked questions 
Prevention and treatment 
County Health and Human Services coronavirus webpage