Coronavirus Updates and Resources from Rep. Lieu

Dear neighbor, 

This week, Los Angeles County hit a tragic milestone of over 8,000 deaths due to COVID-19. Yesterday, the County Public Health Department reported 12,819 new cases, the highest number of daily new cases since the start of this pandemic. These numbers are heartbreaking and a sobering reminder that we all have a significant role to play in stopping the spread of this virus. I am sending my deepest sympathies to anyone who has lost a loved one due to COVID-19. My heart goes out to you and your families.

The spike in case numbers is likely the result of Thanksgiving activities that took place about two weeks ago. Please remember that the best way to protect yourself and your community is to stay at home as much as possible and avoid seeing people outside of your immediate household. Please also continue to wash your hands frequently; engage in physical distancing; and wear a mask when outside of your home. By performing these simple yet vitally important actions, you are saving lives. 

Your weekly reminder: 

1. 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.
   
   
2. If you are in need of food assistance; housing relief; information about COVID-19 testing; and more, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org.
   
   
   
3. 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. 
   
   
4. If you’re an employee and notice a COVID-19 violation in your workplace, you can anonymously report your concerns to the LA County Department of Public Health by calling 1-888-700-9995.
   
   
   
5. In the middle of a pandemic, ensuring Californians have access to quality, affordable health care is more important than ever. Californians can sign up for health care coverage now through Covered California’s open enrollment period. Consumers who shop health care plans during this time will benefit from California’s lowest rate change of 0.5% for 2021. DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline to sign up for January 2021 health insurance through Covered California is now December 30. Enroll today at coveredca.com.
   
   

COVID-19 Updates

From the State

Californians can now opt-in to receive Apple or Google notifications if they’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. CA Notify is a tool designed to help stop the spread of the virus while keeping privacy a priority. It is completely anonymous and will never track your location. To help keep your community safe from COVID-19, please go to canotify.ca.gov and add your phone today.

From LA County

With remaining ICU capacity in Southern California below 15%, the LA County Department of Public Health updated its Health Officer Order to align with California’s Regional Stay at Home Order. Under the new order, gatherings of any size are prohibited, some sector operations are closed, and masks and physical distancing are required. For a full list of what is currently open and closed in Los Angeles County, please click here.  

Los Angeles County also launched a new at-home COVID-19 test collection program to help address the current demand for testing and reduce disease spread over the holidays. Individuals can now be mailed a testing kit if they have COVID-19 symptoms; were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus; or are a senior or someone with disabilities who feels that they were exposed to COVID-19 but cannot go to a testing center. The program will run from December 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021. For information on how to register, please click here.

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. Please visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing to sign up for a test if you:
   
   
   • 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 an essential worker with frequent contact with the public.
   • Don’t have symptoms but believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19. 
     
     
2. If you live in the City of LA and are unable to drive to a testing site, you can receive a free COVID-19 test at a mobile pop-up location (no appointment necessary). Please click here to view current and upcoming pop-up testing sites.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. The LA County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) and the LA County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) launched the Safer at Work LA campaign to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces and protect essential workers from contracting the virus. Businesses can access resources at SaferAtWork.LA or by calling the disaster helpline at 1-833-877-8008. 
   
   
5. The COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program is a free online training course designed to help business owners and managers verify that they are implementing all the necessary protocols to keep employees and customers safe. To learn more and become certified, please click here.
   
   
6. Since the start of the pandemic, LA County has served over 5 million meals to vulnerable residents. If you’d like to help those in need, please consider donating or volunteering here.
   
   
   
   
7. Are you looking to rent out your spare room or in-law (ADU) unit? LeaseUp is matching property owners with renters to make renting easier and more reliable for everyone. To learn more, please visit leaseupla.org.  
   
   
8. As more information regarding COVID-19 vaccines becomes available, please watch out for scammers trying to steal personal and/or financial information. For what you need to know to avoid a vaccine-related scam, please click here. 
   
   
   
   
9. Playgrounds in LA County remain open to give children safe access to the outdoors. Please make sure to plan your play by following the safety guidelines below.
   
   
   
   
10. If you own a small business and your request for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan was declined, you can email [email protected] to request reconsideration within 6 months of the date of your decline letter. For more information, please visit sba.gov/disaster.
    
    
11. Yesterday, a panel of experts formally recommended that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorize the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. As California expert scientists continue their review process, preparations are underway to begin distribution as soon as next week. To learn more about California’s vaccine plan, please click here. 

With the current surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations, now is not the time to let our guard down. We must continue to work together as a community to stop the surge. This means washing our hands frequently; wearing a mask in public; engaging in physical distancing; and following all public health guidelines. For more information and resources, please visit my coronavirus webpage. Please also follow my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for frequent updates. I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Stay safe.

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress