BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County District 3 Supervisor Mike Maggard has reportedly declared Kern a "handshake-free" area.

According to a post by Kern County Public Health, they are encouraging the public to refrain from shaking hands amid concerns over the coronavirus.

According to the public health website, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Kern County and the risk of COVID-19 remains low.

There is no recommendation for the general public to wear facemasks to protect themselves from exposure to the novel coronavirus. Facemasks may be appropriate for persons experience respiratory symptoms to limit the spread to others, or for healthcare providers in contact with ill patients.

"Novel coronavirus is not in our community now, but may be in the future," according to the website.