What the OFD is doing. . .
Currently, the Oxnard Fire Department is taking extra precautions in hopes of protecting our firefighters, staff, family members, and most importantly you; the public. As ALWAYS our emergency services remain available should you need us; however, we ask that the public please refrain from visiting our stations for tours and ride-alongs. We are committed to our duty to respond to emergency calls, and fully understand that we have the potential to become carriers of COVID-19; so for this reason we are limiting public visitation to our Fire Stations.
If we do respond to your house you will see that our crews are wearing extra protection. Do not be alarmed, any Firefighter that shows up for work is screened for potentially having COVID-19; so if they respond to your house we have no reason to believe that they may carrying the virus. The masks, gloves, and eye protection are extra precautions that all healthcare workers are taking right now.
What you can do to stay safe. . .
As of right now the County of Ventura has issued a “Stay Well at Home Order.”
“To further combat the spread of COVID-19, Ventura County Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin, has issued a “Stay Well at Home” emergency order – ordering all residents of the County of Ventura to stay inside their residences, and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs. The order is effective March 20, 2020, at 11:59 pm through April 20, 2020, 11:59 pm.”
Some essential needs are:
- Go to the grocery store
- Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
- Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
- Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
- Care or support a friend or family member
- Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
- Help someone to get necessary supplies
If you need further clarification on this order follow the link below
Click here for more details regarding Stay Well at Home
The best way to beat COVID-19 is to avoid exposure; so limit the places and number of people you come in contact with. If you do go out in public here are some things you can do to limit your exposure:
- Keep a distance of 6 feet from other people
- Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer frequently
- Cover your cough and sneezes
- If you are sick then stay home
- Clean and disinfect surfaces in your house daily
- Only wear a mask if YOU are sick
Click here for more precautions you can take
What to do if you think you have it. . .
The symptoms of COVID-19 are as follows:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
Symptoms take 2-14 days to manifest after an exposure. If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE by calling your primary care physician or calling the hospital. There are emergency warning signs of COVID-19:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
This list is not all inclusive so seek medical advice for any worsening or concerning symptoms. If you need emergency help call 911 and notify dispatch of your symptoms and don a mask before emergency crews arrive.
Elderly individuals and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are most at risk for COVID-19, the video below describes actions these individuals can take.
Click here for more information on potentially having COVID-19
COVID-19 in Ventura County
If you would like to keep track of potential outbreaks in your community VCemergency.com updates regularly to provide an accurate assesment of COVID cases in the County.
Resources
Below are links where you can follow where you can get more information regarding COVID-19
For information regarding protecting you and your loved ones: www.vcemergency.com/faqs
To learn what the Center for Disease Control says:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html