Coronavirus Updates and Resources from Rep. Lieu
Dear neighbor,
Thankfully COVID-19 hospitalizations in Los Angeles County are decreasing, but we must remain vigilant and continue to wash our hands frequently; engage in social distancing; and wear a mask in public to prevent the spread of the virus.
In the weeks following holidays and major sporting events, LA County has experienced surges in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. With the Super Bowl this weekend, please cheer for your favorite team from home. We must continue to make cautious choices to protect our community.
The coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis have affected lives and livelihoods across the country. The time for decisive action is now. That is why this week, the House and Senate passed budget resolutions to pave the way for an essential coronavirus rescue plan that will provide direct relief to Americans, support those who’ve become unemployed through no fault of their own, invest in a national COVID-19 vaccination program, and more. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this much-needed relief for my constituents in California’s 33rd District.
If you would like to continue receiving this weekly COVID e-newsletter, please sign up here.
VACCINE UPDATES
Governor Newsom and LA County local leaders are responsible for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in our area. As your Member of Congress, I want to help ensure these leaders have the funding and resources necessary to vaccinate as many CA-33 residents as quickly as possible. Below you will find information on the vaccine from state and local officials. For questions or concerns regarding the distribution of the vaccine, please contact the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom and/or the LA County Department of Public Health.
What phase are we in?
The COVID-19 vaccine will be free for everyone and will be offered to different groups in phases. LA County is actively vaccinating health care workers, staff and residents at skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, and residents 65 and older. If you are eligible, please book an appointment at VaccinateLACounty.com or call (833) 540-0473 from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM 7 days a week. Appointments and doses are limited.
 From VaccinateLACounty.com
Where can I get the vaccine?
There are nearly 300 locations that are currently vaccinating people in Los Angeles County. As more doses become available, more vaccination sites will open. If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, you can make an appointment at a Public Health Point of Dispensing (POD) site, a LA City Fire Department Pod site (including Dodger stadium), or at select community clinics, hospitals or pharmacies.
How can I get my second dose?
You need two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to get the most protection. Pfizer vaccine doses should be given three weeks (21 days) apart and Moderna vaccine doses should be given four weeks (28 days) apart. How you get your second dose depends on where you got your first one. Please click here to see how you can book your second appointment depending on where you had your first shot. In most cases, you will receive an email or text confirmation to book your appointment time.
If you have difficulty using a computer, you can call the LA Public Health Call Center at 1-833-540-0473 between the hours of 8 AM and 8:30 PM for assistance.
Please remember to bring your white vaccine record card or electronic vaccine record and a photo ID when you go to your second appointment.
STATE AND LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATES
From the State
This week, Governor Newsom announced a pilot partnership with the Biden Administration to stand up two community vaccination sites in East Oakland and East Los Angeles to help communities hit hardest by the pandemic. These new sites are part of a larger effort to establish 100 vaccination sites across the nation within the Biden Administration’s first 100 days. The vaccination centers will be state led and federally supported.
To help support small businesses, the second round of the California Small Business Relief Program is open for applications through February 8th. Small businesses and nonprofits may be eligible to receive grants worth up to $25,000. To get started, please go to CAreliefgrant.com.
From LA County
With outdoor dining reopening in LA County, it’s important to be aware of the risks still associated with dining out.
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.
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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
My team and I will continue to keep you updated on the vaccine distribution process and other COVID-19 developments. Please continue to wash your hands frequently; engage in social distancing; and wear a mask in public. For more information, please visit my coronavirus webpage and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu
Member of Congress
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