Coronavirus Updates and Resources from Rep. Lieu 

Dear neighbor, 

I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. This has been an extraordinarily difficult week for our nation. Between the attack on our Capitol and an out-of-control pandemic that is still ravaging our communities, these are truly challenging times. I am enraged by what occurred in Washington on Wednesday and am heartbroken that Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was among those who lost their lives in the violence. I view this attack on Congress as an attack on our democracy and the peaceful transition of power. In order for our country to heal, we need to ensure that every perpetrator is held accountable for their efforts to forcefully overturn our free and fair election. Donald Trump, who incited the insurrection that resulted in multiple deaths, is not fit to serve and must leave office immediately. 

In addition to the political crisis in Washington we are still in the midst of a public health crisis. We've lost more than 11,500 Angelenos to this virus. It is gut-wrenching and I am working hard to make sure our people have the support they need during this crisis. Shortly before the end of 2020, Congress passed a $908 billion coronavirus relief package. Although the package included direct relief for families and businesses; support for COVID-19 vaccines, testing and tracing; funding for schools and childcare and more; it was not enough to address the scope and scale of the crisis we face. My hope is that, with the new 117th Congress and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President, we will be able to provide American families with the stimulus they desperately need to survive and the competent leadership we need to finally beat this virus.

On a hopeful note, COVID-19 vaccinations have started to be administered to healthcare workers and staff at Skilled Nursing Facilities in Los Angeles County. Vaccines will be made available to individuals in three phases until larger vaccine supplies become available. Currently, LA County remains in Phase 1A, which is limited to healthcare workers who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to COVID-19. To view LA County’s vaccine prioritization and allocation, which outlines the phases and tiers, please click here. To learn more about vaccine distribution in LA County, please click here.  

In the middle of this pandemic, signing up for health care coverage is more important than ever. Covered California open enrollment for health insurance is happening now. If you sign up before January 31st, you will be covered for the year of 2021. Enroll today at coveredca.com. 

As you know, hospitals in Los Angeles County are being pushed to their breaking point. The COVID-19 numbers in our community are staggering. You can help mitigate the severity of this crisis by performing three relatively simple actions: washing your hands frequently; engaging in social distancing; and wearing a mask in public. Your actions have the potential to save 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. Californians can opt-in to receive Apple or Google notifications if they’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. CA Notify, the new statewide exposure notification system, is completely anonymous and will never track your location. To help protect your community against COVID-19, please go to canotify.ca.gov and add your phone today.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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. 

COVID-19 Updates

From the State

Last week, Governor Newsom unveiled California’s Safe Schools for All Plan, a phased approach with safety at the forefront to allow our children to benefit from in-person learning this Spring. The new framework includes a $2 billion early action proposal to help expand COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures in schools.

In addition, the Governor recently announced a plan to extend the COVID-19 statewide eviction moratorium and expedite the distribution of $2.6 billion in federal rental assistance to low-income families in need. He also announced a plan to administer $600 state stimulus checks to low-income residents, who, when paired with the federal stimulus check, could receive at least $1,200 of direct relief. 

The new budget will also support California’s small businesses with investments totaling over $1 billion. To learn more about the state’s efforts to provide relief to businesses and families, please visit covid19.ca.gov. 

From LA County 

Right now, in Los Angeles County, one in every five people tested for COVID-19 is receiving a positive result. We are also losing a person to this deadly virus every eight minutes. Please remember to do your part in mitigating the spread of this virus by following all of the safety measures outlined in the latest County Health Officer Order and washing your hands frequently; engaging in physical distancing; and wearing a mask in public. 

To support businesses as they navigate continuous economic uncertainty, Los Angeles County launched a free technical assistance program. The new online resource, the BizHelp Program, will offer support via a series of online webinars starting January 12, 2021. To learn more, please click here. 

Additional Resources 

1. 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 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. Over the past two weeks, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, in partnership with the LA County Department of Public Health, opened the region’s first Vaccine Points-of-Dispensing (PODs) for healthcare workers at existing public testing sites. An estimated 100,000 people have been vaccinated in LA County as of January 6. For more information on vaccine distribution, please click here.
   
   
5. If you have been traveling and plan to re-enter LA County, you must quarantine for 10 days following your date of arrival, even if you don’t feel sick. If you need assistance while you are quarantining with accessing groceries or other resources, please call 2-1-1 or visit the LA Public Health website.
   
   
   
6. Through the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program, businesses owners can become trained on required safety protocols at no cost. Once they finish the program, they will receive a certificate and window seal to display at their establishment to reassure customers and employees that safety is their top priority. To learn more and become certified, please click here. 
   
   
7. The United States Postal Service is hiring in the Greater Los Angeles area! If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please visit www.usps.com/careers.
   
   
8. If you or someone you know is struggling to access food resources, or if you have the ability to donate food at this time, please go to covid19.lacounty.gov/food.
   
   
9. To view your rights as a Los Angeles County renter, or to get legal help, please go to stayhousedla.org or call 888-694-0040. For information on the countywide eviction moratorium, which was recently extended to February, please click here. 

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our lives in numerous ways, please know that my top priority is to help keep you and your family safe. For more information and helpful resources, please visit my coronavirus webpage, covid19.ca.gov and covid19.lacounty.gov. Please also follow me for frequent updates on my work in Congress on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress