Friend —
We are in our third week staying “ Safer at Home” here in LA County and I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for doing your part so far. Your decision to stay indoors, keep your distance, and change your routine for the sake of our neighbors is saving lives.
If you’re still going in to work at an essential job — caring for the sick, working at a grocery store, delivering food or supplies — thank you for risking your own health and safety to keep our County running. We owe you more than we can say.
There are now 6910 COVID-19 cases in LA County and 169 deaths. This is certainly an unprecedented crisis — but we are working around the clock to keep communities safe and lend a helping hand to those hit hardest by COVID-19.
Below I’ve outlined some of the actions that we have taken as well as what you and your loved ones need to know about getting a COVID-19 test, wearing a mask in public, having a meal delivered for a senior loved one, getting assistance for a small business, and more.
Thanks again, Friend. Please stay healthy and stay home.
Drive-Thru Testing Available in LA County
Testing is one of the most important tools we have to track and then slow the spread of COVID-19. Across the 4th District and the County we’re ramping up efforts to test especially our most vulnerable residents.
Many drive-thru testing sites are now open across the County. Two of these are in the 4th District, one at the parking lot of the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach and another at Long Beach City College.
As of yesterday, testing has been expanded to include anyone who is showing symptoms.
Same or next-day appointment priority is still being given to those who are 65 or older or who have chronic health conditions.
Please book an appointment online before going. If you do not have an appointment, they will not be able to test you.
Face Mask Information and Recommendations
Because it is possible to spread COVID-19 days before a person is symptomatic, wearing a face covering while you are out of your home will help reduce the spread of this virus.
The federal government has now recommended the use of these masks by the general public, but our LA County Public Health Department stresses that you SHOULD NOT purchase or use an N95 or other similar medical-grade mask. Those are in limited supply and must be reserved for our healthcare workers only. Wearing a mask is also not a substitute for safe social and physical distancing.
Fortunately it is easy to make a face mask or covering at home with materials from around your house. Here is a sample guide on how you and your family can make your own masks — this one does not even require sewing.
Meal Options for Seniors
LA County is providing free meals to older adults age 60 and older who are impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis. Call 1-800-510-2020 to request services.
Meals are provided either at distribution sites or via home-delivered meals. We’re transitioning to home-delivered meals at most locations. The map to the right has information about each site.
Older adults 65 and older must send a family member, friend or caregiver who is under the age of 65 to pick up meals at their assigned site.
Resources for Workers, Businesses, and Renters
This is a trying time for residents across LA County struggling with job loss, managing a small business that is no longer allowed to operate, or an inability to pay rent due to lost wages. Here are some resources that might help:
- If you are a small business owner, LA County is here to help. Tomorrow, April 8th, we are launching the Employer Assistance Grant Fund, which can provide up to $10,000 to LA County small businesses in need. To apply, click here.
- If you are a renter, LA County has issued an eviction moratorium on commercial and residential evictions in unincorporated LA County. This joins similar moratoriums made by the City of LA and now, the State of California.
- If you are a property owner, the LA County Treasurer-Tax Collector has issued new guidelines regarding the upcoming April 11th deadline. View them here.
New Guidance for LA County Restaurants
During this crisis some local restaurants have tried to keep their doors open by selling groceries but were told to shut down by the LA County Public Health Department.
Last Tuesday I directed our Public Health Department to quickly issue guidelines allowing these restaurants to continue selling groceries via delivery and takeout. These guidelines are now in place to help keep these restaurants afloat.
I hope these guidelines will help these small restaurants stay in business, keep paying their employees, and continue feeding the public.
Feeding the 4th District
My office is funding several organizations across the 4th District that are getting vulnerable residents food and groceries during this crisis.
Some of our grants include:
- $30,000 to the Diamond Bar Evergreen Club so they can deliver make and deliver meals to Diamond Bar seniors who are disabled and/or lack resources.
$23,000 for the Torrance-Lomita Meals on Wheels so they can add more participants to their meal delivery program.
- $10,000 to the City of La Mirada so they can partner with Grocery Outlet to provide meal boxes to seniors in the community.
- $5,000 to Industry Meals on Wheels so they can serve more participants in Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, and Diamond Bar.
- $10,000 to the Long Beach Salvation Army so they can make more meals for local residents, especially low-income and homeless residents.
- $18,000 to the City of Whittier and PIH Health so they can provide more meals for seniors and gravely ill individuals.
If you know someone who is having difficulty getting or affording groceries, please help refer them to one of these organizations in their area.
Staying Informed
For the latest information about COVID-19 in LA County, you can watch the daily briefing from our public health experts every weekday at 1pm. You can watch live on the LA County Facebook page or tune into local news channels covering it live like ABC7 and KTLA.
You can also visit my website or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more current updates.
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