COVID-19 Updates
As we approach the holiday season, a time that’s typically spent with friends and family, we must be cautious about the risks of COVID-19. Please remember that the virus remains highly contagious and can spread easily at indoor gatherings. The LA County Department of Public Health now permits small outdoor gatherings with people from no more than three separate households. While at these gatherings, everyone must wear a mask and keep 6 feet of distance. For more guidelines on private gatherings, please click here.
This weekend, US Representative Ted Lieu will be joining a group of local veterans for a live, virtual Conversations with Veterans event. Each year, he host this event to foster a greater understanding between veterans and the communities they serve. You are invited to join in to hear inspiring stories from our local heroes. The event will be broadcasted live on facebook.com/reptedlieu on Sunday, November 8th at 2:00 PM.
This is a difficult and uncertain period for all of us, when many are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. If you are feeling this way, please know that you are not alone. If you need someone to talk to, please call the LA County Department of Mental Health hotline at (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741. Please also view the CDC’s guidance for coping with stress and anxiety during a pandemic.
Please remember to get your flu shot to stay healthy this season. It is likely that both COVID-19 and the flu will be present at the same time in LA County this year. You can get a flu shot at any local pharmacy. For quick flu facts and frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and the flu, click here.
If you tested positive for COVID-19, you should expect a call or text from a county public health specialist as part of an effort to contact trace and contain the spread of the virus. They are not law enforcement officers and will not ask about immigration status. If you tested positive for COVID-19 and have not yet heard from a contact tracer, please call 1-833-540-0473. To aid in this effort, LA County and City of Los Angeles leaders announced a partnership with SafePass, a mobile app to help expand local efforts to contract trace and contain the spread of COVID-19. For more information on the app and to download your SafePass, please go to citizen.com/safepass.
Have you witnessed fraud, waste, or abuse of coronavirus pandemic relief funds? Congress has approved over $3 trillion in federal spending to combat the pandemic and I am committed to ensuring your tax dollars are being spent properly. I encourage you to visit coronavirus.house.gov/contact/tip-line or call 202-225-4400 today to report waste, fraud, or abuse of COVID-19 funds.
Covered California’s open enrollment period has begun! From now through January 31st, you can sign up for a health care plan that works for you and your families. More Californians than ever before are eligible for financial help. To shop and compare plans, please visit CoveredCA.com.
From LA County
Los Angeles County remains in Tier 1 of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, meaning many non-essential indoor business operations are closed. The county remains in the most restrictive tier because of its adjusted case rate, which, as of November 4th, is at 7.5 new cases per 100,00 people. In order to progress to Tier 2, the adjusted case rate must be reduced to 7 or fewer new cases per 100,000 people for two consecutive weeks.
The LA County Department of Public Health also reported a rise in COVID-19 workplace outbreaks. In the period between September 6th and September 19th, there were 23 workplace outbreaks, the lowest number since June. In the period between October 4th and October 17th, the number of workplace outbreaks increased to 40. LA public health is closely monitoring each outbreak and providing guidance to control the spread.
Keeping businesses and workplaces COVID free is essential to protecting the health of our community. Employers and workers can anonymously report COVID-19 clusters at their workplace by calling 888-700-9995, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or filing a report at publichealth.lacounty.gov.
Additional Resources
All LA County residents who would like to get tested should first contact their Primary Care Provider to see if they offer COVID-19 tests. If you cannot access a test through your provider, LA County is offering free testing, which is available for those experiencing symptoms; those working or living in a high-risk facility; those who were in close contact with someone with COVID-19; and/or essential workers with frequent contact with the public. For more information and to sign up for a test near you, go to covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.
For updated data on COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in California and LA County, please go to update.covid19.ca.gov and publichealth.lacounty.gov.
Air quality in still unhealthy in parts of Los Angeles County. Please click here to view the November 2nd Air Quality Advisory. If you are spending time in the areas listed, please reduce physical exertion outdoors.
If you don’t normally file a tax return and have not received your COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment, you have more time to sign up. Please use the IRS Non-Filer Tool before November 21st to request your stimulus check.
Next Monday, November 9th, LA Public Health and the LA County Office of Education will be hosting a virtual Parent Town Hall to discuss the school reopening process and steps being taken to protect students from COVID-19. Please use this link to watch live Monday at 6pm.
The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services remains committed to protecting every single child during this tumultuous time. If you suspect a child is being abused, please call the Child Protection Hotline at 800-540-4000.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or you’ve been around people not wearing face coverings or social distancing, please take action and self-quarantine.
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate is hosting a Digital Bootcamp to help small businesses learn more about social media marketing and expand their online presence. The four-part series begins on Monday, November 9th. For more information, please click here.
LA County Parks and Recreation is hiring lake lifeguards! Pay starts at over $21/hour and applications are due on December 13th. Please click here to apply.
The Great Plates Delivered meal delivery program has been extended through December 8th. Eligible older adults can receive up to 3 free home-delivered meals a day. Please click here to apply today!
Information compiled from the website of US Representative Ted Lieu.