Dear neighbor, 

With millions more Americans becoming vaccinated every day, we are making progress on the road to recovery. Starting next Thursday, April 15th, every Californian aged 16 and up will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, California has administered over 22 million vaccines and 40% of all eligible residents have received at least one dose. 

Although the end of this pandemic is in sight, we are not yet past the finish line. It will take several more months for most adults to be fully vaccinated, and in the meantime, people could get sick. Please remember to continue washing your hands frequently; engaging in social distancing; and wearing a mask in public to prevent the spread.

As we continue to get shots in arms, we are also getting money in pockets, children in schools, and people in jobs through the American Rescue Plan. President Biden and Democrats fought for this crucial relief – and we’re pleased to see it already forming a positive impact on families, workers, and local communities. With child care assistance, direct relief payments, small business relief, and more – the American Rescue Plan will help get Americans – and our economy – back on track.

One industry that has been particularly hard-hit by this pandemic is the entertainment industry. Today, I hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss how the American Rescue Plan helps entertainment venues in CA-33 through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Program. For more information on the program, please visit www.svograntportal.sba.gov. 

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION UPDATE

The following groups are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Los Angeles County. 

If you are eligible, please book an appointment to receive your vaccine shot. If you have a disability or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.

On April 15th, all individuals age 16 and older will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in LA County. Until all people are fully vaccinated, we must continue to stay safe, especially around those who may be at higher-risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

VETERANS: The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is conducting a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination event at Crenshaw United Methodist Church next Saturday, April 17th for veterans of all ages, their spouses, and ChampVA participants. To book an appointment, please call (310) 268-4900. If you have questions about the event, please call (310) 268-3340 or email [email protected].

What to expect when you’re vaccinated:

The CDC has issued public health guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated. Please remember – you are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after your single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Fully vaccinated individuals may also travel as long as they take precautions as described in the LA County Travel Advisory.

STATE AND LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATES

From California

This week, Governor Newsom announced that California will reopen its economy by June 15th if vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be vaccinated; and if hospitalization rates are stable and low. If these conditions are met, everyday activities will be allowed and businesses can open with common sense prevention measures in place. 

From LA County 

Los Angeles County is now in the orange tier on California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Below are some key changes for businesses and other sectors. For a full list of reopening protocols, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus.

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. 
  
  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• If you are a resident of the City of Los Angeles, please click here to make a vaccine appointment.
  
  
• For CDC guidance on travel for fully vaccinated people, please click here. If you plan to travel, please remember to renew your passport at least 6 months in advance.
  
  
• Need health care? Enroll now! Due to COVID-19, Covered California established a special enrollment period that allows any eligible Californian to enroll in health coverage.
  
  
• Learn about and apply for the Los Angeles COVID-19 Emergency Renters Assistance Program, open through April 30th.  
  
  

• 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).
  
  
• Tips for after you receive the vaccine.
  
  

With hope on the horizon, we must keep up the hard work in the fight against COVID-19. Until everyone is vaccinated, please continue to wash your hands frequently; engage in social distancing; and wear a mask in public. For more information on COVID-19 and vaccines, please visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccines and VaccinateLACounty.com and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu  
Member of Congress