Coronavirus Updates and Resources from Rep. Lieu

Dear neighbor, 

As your Member of Congress, I will continue to keep you updated on the coronavirus crisis. This week, Los Angeles County reported that younger residents are driving case counts. People between the ages of 18 and 49 have had the highest number of positive cases, accounting for around 58% of all cases in LA County. This virus impacts people of all ages. We must use the tools available to us to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means washing our hands frequently; practicing social distancing; and wearing face coverings. Please also remember that private gatherings cannot exceed more than three households and must take place outdoors.  

Throughout this pandemic, I’ve held numerous virtual events to keep our community connected during these difficult times. On November 8th, I’ll be hosting a conversation with veterans from California’s 33rd District, and we’re looking for veterans to participate. If you are a veteran and have an inspiring, motivational or impactful story to tell, please send a brief synopsis of your story to the email below.

You have the power to impact our future by participating in our democracy. Please make sure you have a plan to vote in the General Election. Every registered voter in Los Angeles County will receive a mail-in ballot. Please check your mailbox to see if you’ve received it. Once you’ve filled it out, you can return it by mail or drop it off at a ballot drop box or voting center. To track your ballot, please click here.

You can also vote in person. Some vote centers will be available for early in-person voting on October 24th and all vote centers will be available on October 30th through Election Day on November 3rd. If you vote in person, you may encounter long lines, so please bring with you what you may need to be able to stay in line. For more information on voting in LA County, please visit lavote.net.

Your weekly reminder: 

1. 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. 
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
   
   
3. 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. 
   
   
4. If you’ve recently tested positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible to participate in a research study. The Westside Medical Associates of Los Angeles, in partnership with the Montreal Heart Institute, is investigating whether a medicine called colchicine is effective as a short-term treatment for COVID-19. To be eligible for the study, you must be diagnosed with definite or probable COVID-19 in the last 36 hours, not hospitalized and 40 years of age or older. You do not need to leave your home to participate. If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating, please call the study hotline at 1-877-536-6837. If you are a patient of Westside Medical Associates of Los Angeles, please call 310-289-5221. For more information, please visit colcorona.net. 

COVID-19 Updates

From the State 

Earlier this week, Governor Newsom named a Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to independently review the safety and efficacy of any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before distribution. With many COVID-19 vaccine candidates now in clinical trials, this acclaimed group of California physician scientists will fully review any vaccine approved by the FDA and ensure it is safe for Californians. The workgroup is an integral part of California’s vaccine distribution plan, which was submitted to the CDC last week. Although there is no proven vaccine yet, California is planning to distribute and administer an approved vaccine as soon as possible, but only after it has been reviewed and approved by this panel of top health experts. The scientists will be guided by the principles of safety, equity and transparency during the review process.

California public health officials also released new COVID-19 guidance on theme parks, outdoor professional sports and personal care services. To view the updates for each sector, please visit covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance. 

From LA County

Good luck to the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 2020 MLB World Series! If you plan to watch the Dodgers play, please remember to do so safely by watching the game at home; hosting a virtual watch party with family and friends; and/or avoiding confined spaces where physical distancing is not possible. 

Last weekend, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health visited over 400 businesses in LA County and found that almost half of them had not posted their COVID-19 completed protocols for reopening. Inspectors also found that gyms need to improve on ensuring all employees and patrons are wearing a mask. Although most businesses were following the Public Health protocols, we need every one of them to fully cooperate to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you own or operate a business, I encourage you to participate in LA County’s Safety Compliance Program to ensure you are doing everything you can to protect your employees and customers from COVID-19. 

Additional Resources 

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. LA County Workforce Development Aging and Community Services (WDACS) is still providing emergency food distribution at community and senior centers. Please see below for available locations and call ahead to make an appointment.
   
   
4. The Great Plates Delivered Program has been extended through November 8th. Qualifying older adults can receive 3 free, home-delivered meals a day. To apply, please click here.
   
   
5. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is holding small business workshops to provide business owners practical tips for how to survive the current economic crisis. To sign up to attend an upcoming workshop, please click here.
   
   
6. Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to eligible businesses in Los Angeles. For more information, please visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
   
   
7. The California Office of the Small Business Advocate started a new training intensive to help small businesses and entrepreneurs develop an online presence to do business this holiday season. Please go to business.ca.gov/getdigitalCA to sign up for a spot in the Digital Bootcamp series starting on November 10th. 
   
   
8. Air quality is still unhealthy in parts of Los Angeles County. Please click here to view the October 21st Air Quality Advisory. If you are spending time in the areas listed, please reduce physical exertion outdoors. To check the air quality in your area, go to fire.airnow.gov.
   
   
9. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans are facing eviction. To learn about your housing rights, and find out if you qualify for protection from eviction, please click here.
   
   
10. This is an especially difficult time for all of us. If you’re stressed, anxious or depressed, please remember that you are not alone. If need someone to talk to, please call 800-854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741.

Thank you for your continued efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. Your hard work and dedication have saved lives. COVID-19 is still present in our community, so please remember to do your part in helping to prevent the spread and wear a mask in public; wash your hands frequently; and practice social distancing. For more information, please visit my coronavirus webpage and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. I look forward to updating you again soon.

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress