Dear neighbor:

As COVID-19 cases surge in Los Angeles County, I remain committed to providing you with relevant updates to help guide you through this difficult portion of the pandemic. As you may know, the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to drive an increase in infections across California and LA County. However, there is good news. The latest public health data shows vaccines are still the best way to protect against severe illness from COVID. Here are a few additional steps you can take to protect yourself and others against COVID-19:

• Upgrade your mask. LA Public Health recommends double masking with a medical mask, or wearing a KF94, N95, or KN95 for the best protection.
• Get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and/or you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Get boosted if you haven’t already. The CDC is now recommending booster shots for everyone 12 years and older.
• Postpone nonessential gatherings and avoid some activities – especially with those who are unmasked, unvaccinated, or at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

I know we are all tired and frustrated about the pandemic – especially during this fourth wave. However, I’m pleased we now have the tools to fight this virus. Please wear a mask in public and get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already.

More COVID-19 updates can be found below.

Earlier this week, I was honored to join U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and other elected officials to tour the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. During the tour, we discussed the processing of goods through the ports, impacts on the supply chain, and the important work being done to address infrastructure needs at our ports. Representatives Barragan, Lowenthal and I are proud supporters of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law late last year and will help our ports and supply chain.

Congressman Lieu and Secretary Buttigieg touring the Port of LA and Long Beach. 

Watch my full remarks

COVID-19 Updates

Last week, Governor Newsom unveiled a new $2.7 billion COVID-19 Emergency Response Package to help the state of California combat the current Omicron surge. The new package includes $1.2 billion to bolster testing, $583 million to get more Californians vaccinated, $614 million to support our frontline workers, and more. To learn more about the response plan, please click here.

Testing: To view your options for COVID-19 testing in LA County, including testing site locations, please visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.

One option now available to LA County residents is the Pick-Up Testing Kit Program. LA County residents can pick up a COVID-19 PCR test kit at one of the locations below, perform the test, and return it to designated sites for processing. The kits will be available without an appointment and until daily supplies last. Residents will be notified of their results within 24-48 hours.

Masks: Upgrading your mask to a higher-level medical or surgical grade mask can help reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID. Please see below for recommended mask types for the best protection.

I am hopeful that, if we use the tools we have to fight COVID, we will get through this current surge as a community. To learn more about COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, please visit the LA County Department of Public Health website. For more information on my work in Congress, you can visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress