Coronavirus Updates and Resources from Rep. Lieu

Dear neighbor,  

Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in CA-33! I hope this year, the Year of the Ox, will bring health and happiness to you all.

California and Los Angeles County are working to administer vaccines to those who are currently eligible. Below you will find information from state and local officials on the status of vaccine distribution and resources to help you navigate the vaccination process. 

As Americans continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress is preparing to pass the American Rescue Plan. Last week, both the House and Senate passed budget resolutions to pave the way for a comprehensive plan to beat the virus and safely reopen schools, deliver much-needed relief to working families, and support communities struggling with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. The Committees of Jurisdiction are working expeditiously to advance this legislation. Once the American Rescue Plan passes in the House, it will be sent to the Senate for further legislative action, and then to President Biden’s desk for signature before unemployment benefits expire. Help is on the way. To learn more about President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, please click here.

If you haven’t already, please sign up here to continue receiving this weekly COVID e-newsletter.  

VACCINE UPDATES

This week, LA County vaccine sites administered second doses only due to a shortage in vaccine supply from the State. If you already received your first vaccine dose and did not receive an email for your second appointment, you can still be seen at your designated location on the day of your second dose, as long as you provide proof of your first shot. Please click here for more information on getting your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

What phase are we in?

LA County is currently vaccinating health care workers, staff and residents at skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, and residents 65 and older. If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, please visit VaccinateLACounty.com or call (833) 540-0473 from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM 7 days a week to make an appointment.

From VaccinateLACounty.com

Will I get side effects?

You may experience some side effects after you receive the vaccine. These are more common after the second dose and in younger people. The most common side effects are:

• Fever and muscle aches 
• Headache
• Feeling tired 
• Sore or red arm

These usually do not last long, and you should feel better after a day or two. Side effects are normal and a sign that the vaccine is working. 

Are the vaccines safe?

Yes! Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective. These vaccines prevented 95% of COVID-19 cases. Although the vaccine has been proven to stop people from getting sick, it is not yet clear if it stops them from spreading the disease to other people, so please continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing after you receive the vaccine.

STATE AND LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATES

From the State 

Across California, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and ICU rates have declined over the past month. One month ago, the state’s testing positivity rate was 13.9%, which is now down to 4.8%. There has also been a 34% decline in hospitalizations over a 14-day period. Although these numbers are encouraging, the fight is not over. We must keep up the hard work and continue to wash our hands; engage in physical distancing; and wear a mask in public.

Overall, about 5 million people have been vaccinated in California, meaning 1 in 10 Californians have received their first dose. The state will continue to work with the federal government to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. For updates on vaccine distribution in California, please visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccines. 

From LA County 

On February 10th, Los Angeles County issued a new Health Officer Order in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and subsequent change made by the State related to Places of Worship. Places of Worship can now open for indoor services with 25% capacity while complying with social distancing protocols.

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

• 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.
• Sign up to get notified when it’s your turn to receive the vaccine. 
• CDC’s guidance for coping with stress and anxiety during a pandemic.
• 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.
• Opt-in to receive notifications if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• 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.
• Veterans who are enrolled in and eligible for VA health care can receive personalized vaccine information here. 
• Get your flu shot to stay healthy this season.
• Learn about vaccine misinformation and how to avoid vaccine scams.
• How COVID-19 vaccines work (CDC).
• A new CDC study showed that wearing a mask tightly around your face significantly reduces exposure to potentially infectious aerosols. Please ensure your mask fits tightly around your nose and mouth.