Monterey County declares local emergency

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Even though there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the county, Monterey County Administrative Officer Charles McKee declared a local emergency Friday.

The Office of Emergency Services said it is a precautionary measure that will help the county mobilize and coordinate resources if there is a confirmed case.

Officials said they have been monitoring the disease since it first appeared at the end of last year, and the county's Emergency Operations Center activated to Level 3, the lowest level, to help the Health Department and other local health agencies.

Preparation for the virus includes coordinating with hospitals, urgent care centers, medical providers, laboratorians and first responders, but also cities, agencies and community partners.

The Public Health Laboratory in Monterey County also received coronavirus test kits and has begun testing.

The county reminds residents to wash hands, disinfect surfaces and stay informed.