California Governor: "More Proactive in COVID-19 Preparedness Than Any Other State"

First Local Transmission Concern Case Reported in the US
Statewide Emergency Declared in Two Areas as Resident Concerns Grow
LA Tracing Movements of Confirmed Korean Air Flight Attendant

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] California, where the first suspected case of community transmission of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the United States occurred, is emphasizing its active response to prevent further spread. This is drawing attention as concerns among Korean residents, who live in concentrated communities there, are growing.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California (in the background) is observing the remarks of the health official.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the LA Times on the 27th (local time), California Governor Gavin Newsom said, "We are not fully prepared right now. However, we have been steadily preparing our response over the past few months and are better prepared than any other state in the U.S."

Governor Newsom also revealed that 33 people have been tested for COVID-19 infection and 8,400 people are currently under observation.

Following the day before when the first suspected case of community transmission in the U.S. was confirmed in California, two local governments within the state, including San Francisco, declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19, which is interpreted as a response to growing concerns among residents.

Additionally, LA County health authorities confirmed through media reports that a Korean Air flight attendant who recently boarded an LA route was infected with COVID-19, and they have begun tracing the attendant’s movements during their stay in LA. Local media reported that LA County health authorities are currently awaiting a response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and once the places visited by the flight attendant while in LA are confirmed, the information will be announced to the local community.

Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, regarding the confirmed COVID-19 case of the Korean Air flight attendant, said, "We are disinfecting LA airport every hour," and added, "We are ensuring airport safety by tracking who enters through the airport."

Nevertheless, the Korean community is unsettled. Korean residents in the LA area are demanding that the LA Consulate General disclose the flight attendant’s movement information.