The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus has risen to 17 in Manhattan Beach,  the Los Angeles County Department of Health reported on Tuesday.

All told, in Los Angeles County, there have been 799 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

One of the deaths reported in Los Angeles County was of a person younger than 18 who lived in Lancaster. However, the L.A. County Department of Health noted that although preliminary results indicated a positive test for COVID-19 for this youth, the case was complex and there may be an alternative explanation for the fatality. The investigation is continuing.

“Each loss we experience in LA County is tragic, and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones who've had to endure this tragedy,” said Barbara Ferrer, the Los Angeles County public health director. “COVID-19 does not discriminate by age, race or income level, and what we are seeing in places like New York is indicative of what we should prepare to experience here. While Public Health is doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of this disease in our community, we can only flatten the curve if EVERYONE takes social distancing seriously and adheres to all isolation and quarantine orders issued by our health officer.”

The health department continues to emphasize that because there are positive cases across the entire county, the public should not think one location is safer than the other.

All citizens have been urged to continue social distancing, frequent handwashing, staying at home whenever possible, and remaining at home if you are sick.

Meanwhile, the city of Manhattan Beach has coordinated a resource delivery program that serves older adults that need assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Older adults can now call the City’s Older Adult hotline at 310-802-5010 and coordinate meals, transportation, medication, groceries, or other essential items from community and City employee volunteers. 

The hotline is available seven days a week, Monday - Friday (6:30 AM - 5:30 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Upon calling the hotline, city staff will coordinate how resources will be delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club, Redondo Beach Salvation Army’s Meals on Wheels Program, and Beach Cities Health District.

Volunteers from the Rotary Club, Beach Cities Health District, Salvation Army, City employees, Neighborhood Watch, and the city's CERT Team are all participating.

For specific assistance with hot meal delivery, older adults may contact the Salvation Army’s Meals on Wheels program, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., directly at 310-318-2827.

In addition, the Beach Cities Health District has a helpline for emotional support and ongoing care management for older adults and adults with disabilities. Beach Cities Health District staff is available 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by calling 310-374-3426 ext. 256.

For updated city information, visit https://www.citymb.info and https://www.citymb.info/services/learn-about/coronavirus.