Dear neighbor, 

This week is National Nurses Week, when we honor our heroic nurses in CA-33 and throughout the nation for all that they do to keep our communities healthy. In the face of incredible adversity, nurses have risen to the occasion in the battle against COVID-19. I am deeply grateful for the nurses who have risked their lives to care for us during this pandemic.

We also celebrated teachers and educators this week during Teacher Appreciation Week. The past year has been especially challenging for our nation’s educators who’ve gone above and beyond to ensure their students can reach their full potential despite the challenging circumstances. Teachers, nurses, and other essential workers are the true heroes of this pandemic, and we are forever thankful for them.   

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we are getting children safely back in schools, people in jobs, money in pockets, and shots in arms. With over 250 million vaccine doses administered across the country, America is on the path to recovery.

I’m pleased Los Angeles County has now administered over 8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Please view the information below to find how your city's vaccination rate compares to others. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, I urge to do so as soon as possible to protect yourself and those around you. The more people vaccinated, the sooner we can return to normal.

Vaccine Distribution in LA County

Adults age 16 and older who live or work in LA County are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. No appointments are needed at the following County-run vaccination sites through Sunday, May 9th – while supplies last. Please check VaccinateLACounty.com for updated information on walk-in vaccinations.

• LA County Office of Education
• The Forum
• Cal State Northridge
• Pomona Fairplex
• College of the Canyons
• Palmdale Oasis Recreation Center
• Eugene A. Obregon Park
• The Balboa Sports Complex

Reopening Updates

I’m pleased that Los Angeles County has reached the threshold to move into the least restrictive, yellow tier on California’s Blueprint for A Safer Economy. Below are the modifications to LA County’s Health Officer Order.

Testing

You no longer need an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test. You can walk in or drive up to any of the 17 County-run testing sites. Please visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing, corona-virus.la/covid-19-testing or call 2-1-1 for testing locations and additional information. Although appointments are not needed, they can still be made to help reduce wait times. 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

• Do you need help getting to a vaccination site? Please call the Department of Public Health Vaccine Call Center at 833-540-0473 for assistance. 

• If you are out of work or have had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. For questions about unemployment insurance, please go to edd.ca.gov or contact your state legislator for assistance.
  
  
• To check on the status of your stimulus check, please visit irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.
  
  
• Covered California opened a new special enrollment period to allow Californians to benefit from lower health insurance premiums available through the American Rescue Plan. Click here to enroll in health care coverage.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The West LA VA is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to veterans of ALL ages and their spouses or caregivers. Please call the VAGLAHS COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Line at (310) 268-4900 to schedule an appointment.
  

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Learn about vaccine misinformation and how to avoid vaccine scams.
  
  
• How COVID-19 vaccines work (CDC).
  
  

We must continue to do what we can to keep safe and wash our hands frequently; practice social distancing; and wear a mask. For additional updates on vaccines and COVID-19, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu  
Member of Congress