First 5 Cases Of Coronavirus Confirmed In Malibu

MALIBU, CA — Health officials confirmed the first five cases of the new coronavirus in Malibu Thursday as Los Angeles County saw its deadliest day yet of the coronavirus pandemic yet.

County health officials confirmed 13 more deaths over the last 24 hours and coronavirus cases reached 4,045 in Los Angeles County as 534 more people tested positive.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Malibu's rate is 39.47 per 100,000 residents. The rate "represents the number of cases divided by the underlying population and allows for the proportional comparison of cities of different sizes."

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“Our hearts go out to the families of every Angeleno who has lost someone to this frightening disease,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “The psychological impact of rising case counts and deaths is real, both individually and collectively, and I urge everyone to take care of their emotional health and to check in frequently with those in your extended communities. This will be a long haul, and we have many weeks of work ahead before we begin to see the benefits of our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. But if we act as one community against this virus, by staying home as much as possible, self-isolating when we are sick and self-quarantining if we’ve been exposed, we will get through this, together.”

Patch is also publishing a simple open-or-closed directory for Malibu businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's how to get listed.

Related: Additional Measures Urged Amid LA's Deadliest Day Of The Pandemic

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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Coronavirus In California: What To Know Thursday, April 2

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What You Need To Know About California's Lockdown Of Seniors And The Chronically Ill