COVID-19 News: Face masks, reporting public health violations at construction sites, credible resources and how you can help
Non-medical face masks now required in public
As of April 1, all are asked to wear a non-medical grade mask or other face covering across their mouth and nose when out in public, in addition to maintaining current social distancing practices.
This is important to do, even if you don’t feel sick, because there are many people who actively carry the coronavirus and can pass it to others, but don’t know it, because they aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Since testing is not yet available for anyone not currently showing symptoms, covering your face is the best way to ensure, for now, that those who are asymptomatic do not infect others. You can use a scarf or bandana to tie across your face, or make your ownHowever, please do not use surgical and N95 masks, as any that are available are needed for medical workers and first responders.
Here are a few links that either have information on how to make your own mask or links to mask patterns:
Video: DYI Homemade Surgical Face Mask
https://freesewing.org/designs/fu/
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/4/1/21203241/coronavirus-diy-face-mask-homemade-tutorials
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/masks-diy-coronavirus/2020/04/01/20830f5e-7420-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html
Reporting Public Health Violations on Construction Sites
LADBS will now be enforcing public health rules on construction sites, and non-complying sites may be shut down. Here's the new notice on COVID-related requirements for construction work. Construction workers are required to practice social distancing and wear personal protective equipment when necessary.
You can report failure to do so on 311. You can phone 311 or use . If using either of the latter two, report the problem as an "other" service request.
Don’t be misinformed! CREDIBLE SOURCES for COVID-19 information:
City of Los Angeles COVID portal: http://corona-virus.LA
County COVID portal: http://LAcounty.gov/covid19
LA Public Health portal: http://PublicHealth.LAcounty.gov/media/coronavirus
Mayor’s FAQ on what you can/can’t do while Safer At Home orders are in effect: http://corona-virus.LA/FAQ
NotifyLA – get text/email alerts on COVID-19 in the City of LA: https://emergency.LAcity.org/notifyLA
LAUSD – student meals pickup center list + remote educational resources: https://achieve.LAUSD.net/resources
Dept of Aging – for senior services: https://aging.LAcity.org/
Map of senior meal pickup sites: http://bit.ly/mealsites
VolunteerLA – City of LA COVID response volunteer opportunities: http://volunteer.lamayor.org
Guidance, loans, evictions moratorium for small businesses: http://LAmayor.org/loan
How You Can Help (keeping a safe social distance)
Here are some ways you can help your community respond to coronavirus — so long as you are healthy, not a member of a vulnerable population, and are meeting all current public orders and advised public health requirements:
VolunteerLA
Mayor Garcetti’s VolunteerLA program connects Angelenos who want to volunteer with the nonprofits, people, and places that need their help: http://volunteer.LAmayor.org
Food banks
Donate to food banks in your community and volunteer with them, to ensure our most vulnerable populations are still able to provide for their families. Much-needed items for donation include canned goods, peanut butter, toilet paper, and antibacterial cleansers.
Medical professionals
If you are a medical professional, your support (pro bono or paid) with LA-area COVID-19 response is needed. Learn more and sign up for the City of LA Emergency Medical COVID-19 Corps.
Help Red Cross with student meals or blood donations
Volunteer with the American Red Cross to help distribute meals to students affected by school closures or as a volunteer blood donor to address the current blood shortage.
Do neighbor check-ins
Offer to pick up groceries or medications for those who aren’t able to and stay connected by calling your neighbors, friends, and loved ones who might appreciate human connection despite social distancing. Check out these neighbor check-in tips.
Virtual volunteer opportunities
Maintain safe social distancing practices with remote volunteer work through organizations like L.A. Works: www.LAworks.com
Deliver meals to the homebound
Check-in with your local homebound meal delivery programs. Many of them are scaling up to support the increased need and are looking for volunteers. Find a meal delivery location near you and call to ask if they need assistance.
Join the Mayor’s Community COVID-19 Response Volunteer Interest List
At this time, the City of Los Angeles is not implementing in-the-field volunteers in response to COVID-19. However, we recognize that many people will want to help if the need arises. If you’d like to learn about new opportunities to make a difference, please sign up for Mayor Garcetti’s Community COVID-19 Response Volunteer Interest List.