By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
Mar. 17, 2020 | 4:00 PM
County residents can now receive information about the novel coronavirus via text thanks to the County COVID-19 public information text message alert system.
The system allows County health officials to send real-time information about COVID-19 in the region. To sign up to receive the messages, text COSD COVID19 to 468-311.
The system was set up to let County public health officials issue information and instructions on changes related to COVID-19 in the region.
Flattening the Curve
County health officials are requiring residents not working and students out of school to stay at home to avoid contracting COVID-19. They should only be out to get food or other essential needs, such as caring for a relative, getting medical attention, picking up prescriptions or to go to work.
“We all have a role to play to keep the virus from spreading in our communities,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “People should not be out and about, unless it’s absolutely necessary and people are not in a group.”
Wooten issued the new guidance March 16 to try to flatten the curve of the pandemic and prevent many people from getting sick at the same time.
The goal is to practice social distancing to slow the spread of the pandemic so that sick people don’t overwhelm the healthcare system. Should that occur, there might not be enough hospital beds or mechanical respirators for everyone who needs them.
“People should be six feet apart when out on the street conducting essential activities,” Wooten said. “Social distancing is an effective tool to slow the spread of pandemics.”
José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office
