Briefing on COVID-19 For Pasadena Business Community for March 13, 2020

News & Announcements

In an effort to keep you informed of developments related to COVID-19, the City of Pasadena offers the following information to the Pasadena Business Community. Our goal is to disseminate accurate public health information; offer recommendations to prepare and slow the spread of the virus; and provide links to resources for additional information. We ask that businesses use their best judgment to evaluate which precautionary measures to put in place, based on their own organization’s needs. Please disseminate this information with your businesses, community partners, etc.

 

As of Friday, March 13, 2020, 5:00 pm, the City of Pasadena can confirm the following information:

 

  • There is 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 in Pasadena.
  • There are 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County.

Support for Local Business #WeAreInThisTogether:

We recognize that there is an impact to local business as a result of COVID-19. To support our local business community, we have begun to incorporate messaging into social media and media interviews to encourage people to shop local while practicing safe social distancing. The City, along with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, are providing to you the attached graphics which can be reposted on your accounts with your own messaging.

Supplemental Community Messaging:

As much as possible, please try to instill a sense of calm. It is easy to become overwhelmed, so let’s all take a deep breath. Below are some additional community messaging that we want to push out to the public. When appropriate, please share with your audience.

 

We are encouraging people to come together as a city and to start thinking of our community as a whole. This includes checking on one another and looking out for those who may need additional assistance. When it comes to shopping for everyday needs during an emergency (public health, natural disaster, or otherwise), it’s always a good idea to prep. But, there’s  fine line between hoarding and prepping. Make sure to have enough supplies for a 2 week quarantine, if and when the situation arises. Beyond that, let’s be good neighbors and leave supplies for our fellow people.

 

City of Pasadena Dedicated Web Page for COVID-19 Information:

The City of Pasadena has a dedicated web page with important information and updates on the situation. Please find it here: http://www.cityofpasadena.net/#coronavirus-information

Communication Considerations For Retail & Restaurants: (Source: https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19)
On March 4, 2020, the City of Pasadena, along with the City and County of Los Angeles and the State of California, declared a local public health emergency. While public agencies, including the City of Pasadena, are doing their part to prepare for and slow the spread of the virus, the private sector is urged to do its part as well to protect public health.

It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how customers will be protected when they visit your business. Promotions may also help to incentivize customers who may be reluctant patronize your business.

 

Reminder: What can businesses do to prepare for & slow the spread of the virus?

 

  • Encourage employees and patrons to stay home when sick.  Download a sample sign “Remain Home If You’re Sick” and feel free to post it in your storefront window. Link to download: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/StayHome.pdf
  • If an employee stays home because they are sick, consider not requiring a doctor’s note on their return. Doctor note requirements will clog offices of health care providers and keep them from being able to treat patients.
  • Make hand sanitizer available and keep bathrooms fully stocked.
  • Maintain a 6 foot distance with someone who is ill.
  • Clean & disinfect all high-touch surfaces.
  • Buffet food service is not recommended at this time.

 

Reminder: What can the office and corporate community do to prepare for & slow the spread of the virus?

 

  • In addition to the precautionary measures listed above, employers are encouraged to put plans in place to ensure continuity of operations should any employees become ill or require long quarantines.
  • Establish policies and practices to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and members of the public for social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus.
  • Restrict travel to areas with known outbreaks.
  • Consider changing business etiquette of shaking hands for the near future.
  • Install alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations.
  • Make available video conferencing software and phone bridges for virtual meetings.
  • Install or make available appropriate apps for mobile computing so that employees can access work remotely.
  • Cross-train staff on essential functions to ensure business continuity.
  • Consider moving work applications (email, phone, files) to the cloud, so collaboration is possible for mobile computing.
  • Diversify supply chains to become less dependent on individual suppliers from territories that might be at greater risk of impacts from COVID-19.

 

Reminder: What everyday precautionary measures can I take to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, not your hand.
  • Refrain from touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
  • Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces often, including cell phones, light switches, doorknobs, and toilets.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Get your flu shot to protect against influenza.
  • If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections, follow public health guidance and monitor your health. Call your healthcare providers and inform them about your travel history if you need care.

 

Helpful links:

 

 

 

 

Michelle Garrett

City of Pasadena │ Project manager

Office of the City Manager │ Economic Development Division

P 626.744.7355 │E mgarrett@cityofpasadena.net
A 100 N. Garfield, 4th Floor, Pasadena, CA 91109

 

www.futureyourselfhere.com