COVID-19 Update
Information compiled from the websites of US Representative Ted Lieu and LA Councilman Paul Koretz
VACCINE DISTRIBUTION UPDATE
Los Angeles County has administered about 3.8 million doses of the vaccine to residents, meaning 31.4% of people over 16 have been given at least one dose, and 15.9% of people over 16 have been fully vaccinated. The increasing rate of vaccinations is likely reducing COVID-19 transmission. For countywide data on vaccine distribution, please view the LA County Public Health Vaccine Dashboard.
I’m pleased that this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a federal grant of $54.5 million to the City of Los Angeles to support vaccine distribution efforts. These resources are vital to helping the City of LA vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
LA County is currently vaccinating individuals in the following groups:
If you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit VaccinateLACounty.com to book an appointment. Residents with disabilities or without computer access may call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm 7 days a week for assistance.
Vaccines are now available to those ages 16-64 who have qualifying health conditions and/or disabilities that put them more at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. For a complete list of what qualifies as one of these conditions, please click here.
STATE AND LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATES
From California
In California, 27.2% of people have received at least one dose, and 13.2% of people are fully vaccinated. This ranks California 28th out of all states and territories. As California continues to administer vaccines, it’s okay to have questions. For more information on how the COVID-19 vaccine works and why you should get vaccinated, please visit VaccinateAll58.com.
Starting April 1st, California will be expanding vaccine eligibility to Californians age 50 and older. On April 15th, eligibility will open to all Californians over the age of 16.
From LA County
This week, Los Angeles County’s adjusted case rate and test positivity rate dropped to a level beginning to meet the threshold to move into the less restrictive, orange tier of California’s Blueprint for A Safer Economy. If the county maintains current levels or drops in case rate and positivity rate, it is possible it could move into the orange tier by early April.
With Spring Break coming up, please remember to quarantine for 10 days after returning to LA County following out of state or out of county travel. Quarantining after travel will help to slow the spread.
TESTING
All LA County residents who would like to get tested for COVID-19 should first contact their Primary Care Provider to see if they offer tests. If you cannot access a test through your health care provider, please visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing or corona-virus.la/covid-19-testing to sign up for a no-cost COVID-19 test. Testing is recommended for those who:
Have symptoms related to COVID-19.
Were asked to get tested by LA Public Health because of a contact tracing investigation.
Were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks.
Work or live in a skilled nursing facility; group home; residential care facility; homeless shelter; or correctional facility.
Are experiencing homelessness.
Are essential workers with frequent contact with the public.
Don’t have symptoms but believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Need health care? Enroll now! Due to COVID-19, Covered California established a special enrollment period that allows any eligible Californian to enroll in health coverage.
Round 5 of California’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program is now open! Eligible applicants can visit careliefgrant.com to learn more.
The West LA VA is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to veterans of ALL ages who are eligible for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare and enrolled with VAGLAHS. Veterans can call the VAGLAHS COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Line at (310) 268-4900 to schedule an appointment.
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.
Sign up to get notified when it’s your turn to receive the vaccine.
CDC’s guidance for coping with stress and anxiety during a pandemic.
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.
Opt-in to receive notifications if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
If you are in need of food assistance; housing relief; information about COVID-19; and more, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org.
Veterans who are enrolled in and eligible for VA health care can receive personalized vaccine information here.
Get your flu shot to stay healthy this season.
Learn about vaccine misinformation and how to avoid vaccine scams.
How COVID-19 vaccines work (CDC).
Tips for after you receive the vaccine.
The vaccine is one of our most powerful tools in ending this pandemic. By getting vaccinated when it’s your turn, you are saving lives and helping us get back to doing the things we love. In the meantime, please continue to wash your hands frequently; engage in social distancing; and wear a mask in public.