COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Alerts & Resources

COVID-19 — also known as Coronavirus — is a contagious virus that is part of a large family of coronaviruses that cause diseases of varying severities, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19 is also called a novel coronavirus because it is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.

In general, transmission of coronaviruses is most likely while a person has symptoms and is spread through:

• Droplets produced through coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as caring for an infected person
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Other possible symptoms include: loss of smell/taste, tiredness/fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene with frequent handwashing and by avoiding close physical encounters.

For FAQ about COVID-19, click here.

Are children more vulnerable to COVID-19?

Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date, according to the CDC.

A small number of children, however, have developed an inflammatory condition as a result of COVID-19 known as Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C). MIS-C has been described as inflammation (swelling) across multiple body systems, potentially including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs. Signs and symptoms of MIS-C include fever and various symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and feeling tired.

If your child has any of these symptoms, other symptoms of COVID-19, or other concerning signs, contact your pediatrician. If your child is showing any emergency warning signs including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, severe abdominal pain, or other concerning signs, seek emergency care right away.

More General Information Resources:

• The State of California’s COVID-19 Resource Page
• L.A. County Responds: Confronting COVID-19
• L.A. County Department of Public Health: Coronavirus
• Center of Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus
• 211 L.A. County Resource Line – 211 LA is the central source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services in LA County. It is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, with trained Community Resource Advisors prepared to offer help with any situation, any time.

5/14/21

CDC ANNOUNCES NEW REGULATIONS FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS 

• If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
• Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

5/3/21

COVID-19 VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE 

• All L.A. County residents age 16 years and older, regardless of immigration status are eligible.
• No appointment needed. See below for locations.*
• Vaccine is free, no health insurance needed.
• Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson available.
• Updated website: https://corona-virus.la/VaxAlert

*Eligible Angelenos can still book an appointment for a vaccination at Coronavirus.LACity.org/GetVaccinated or by calling 1-833-540-0473.

WALK UP SITES LOCATIONS (NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED) 

HOURS: Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

California State University Los Angeles (Walk-up with parking or drive-thru)

5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032

Offering Pfizer 

University of Southern California (Walk-up with parking)

3701 Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90007

Offering Pfizer

Lincoln Park (Walk-up with limited parking)

3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9003

Offering Pfizer

Pierce College (Walk-up with parking)

20498 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91306

Offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson

San Fernando Park (Walk-up with limited parking)

208 Park Ave., San Fernando, CA 91340

Offering Moderna

Los Angeles Southwest College (Walk-up with parking)

1600 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90047

Offering Pfizer

Century City (Walk-up with parking)

2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Parking is located off of Constellation Blvd. in the underground lot

Offering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson

MOBILE SITE LOCATIONS 5/4 – 5/8 (NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED)

All mobile sites are offering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

HOURS: 

Standard: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

**Extended Evening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

South Park Recreation Center – South Park
345 E. 51st St., Los Angeles, CA 90011
**EXTENDED NIGHT CLINIC HOURS 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Teatro Frida Kahlo Theater – Westlake

2332 W. 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90057

Andres and Maria Cardenas Rec Center – Panorama City

14740 Blythe St., Panorama City, CA 91402

Sylmar Recreation Center – Sylmar

13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

Luther Burbank Middle School – Highland Park
6045 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042

Banning Recreation Center – Wilmington
375 N. Ave 63, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza – Sears – Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw
3755 Santa Rosalia Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90008

North Hollywood Senior Center – North Hollywood
5301 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601

Visit our mobile clinic page for information and the most up to date sites: https://corona-virus.la/MobileVax

MORE LOCATIONS AND INFORMATION 

To find hundreds of other locations in L.A. County, you can visit MyTurn.CA.gov

To find out more information about the vaccine, you can visit VaccinateLACounty.com.

The COVID vaccine is safe and effective in lowering the chance of death and severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccinations are free, no insurance is necessary, and are available to all Los Angeles County residents, regardless of immigration status.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can sign up for a free COVID test here:  Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing. You are not eligible for a vaccine unless you are symptom-free. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have further questions.

Click here for more information on this alert.

4/13/21

L.A. opens up COVID-19 vaccine appointments for everyone age 16 and up

Los Angeles has opened COVID-19 vaccine appointments to people age 16 and older.

On the city’s website for COVID-19 vaccine registration, operated by Carbon Health, there is now an option to book an appointment for people 16 and older at city-run vaccination sites.

People who are seeking shots at city-run vaccination sites must provide valid identification and be a resident of Los Angeles County. City-run sites are open from Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-10/l-a-opens-up-covid-19-vaccine-appointments-for-everyone-aged-16-and-up

3/8/21

CDC Releases New Guidelines For Fully Vaccinated Americans

People who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 may safely gather with small groups from other households without wearing masks or physical distancing, even if those people have not yet had their shots, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

This is the first federal public health guidance aimed at resuming some kind of normal activity for people who have received both doses of the Pfizer or the Moderna shots, or one shot of the single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the final dose, giving the body time to build antibodies against the virus.

For more information: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-releases-guidance-safe-activities-after-covid-19-vaccination-n1259969?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma 

2/26/21

MORE PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR VACCINES NEXT WEEK IN L.A. COUNTY, INCLUDING TEACHERS, CHILD CARE WORKERS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL WORKERS

Los Angeles County is ready to soon expand vaccination appointments to teachers and essential workers.

Vaccine eligibility is expected to expand starting next week, but the availability of appointments will depend on how many doses the county expects to receive – and county officials won’t know that figure for another day.

The expansion comes even as more good news is on the horizon, with Johnson & Johnson saying its new vaccine could be available in a matter of days.

Read more: https://abc7.com/la-county-vaccine-los-angeles-vaccination-dr-barbara-ferrer-lausd/10368156/ 

1/29/21

Outdoor Dining Returns to L.A. County with Mandatory Safety Measures

Public Health has modified the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order to closely align with the sector re-openings permitted in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy most restrictive purple tier. Outdoor dining at restaurants, wineries, and breweries may reopen today with additional safety measures in place to mitigate the increased risk since customers are permitted to spend time unmasked at these businesses. Indoor dining is not permitted. All employees that can come in contact with customers must wear both a face covering and a face shield at all times. Persons from different households are not allowed to share a table. All establishments must post signage to this effect and verbally inform customers that everyone sharing a table must be from the same household. Tables must be positioned at least 8 feet apart and televisions or other screens must be turned off.

The Health Officer Order also removes operating hour restrictions for non-essential businesses.

For more information: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=2940 

For more details:

1/25/21

California Lifts Statewide “Safer-at-Home” Order

California is lifting stay-at-home orders for all regions in the state, including Southern California, the Bay Area and the San Joaquin Valley — the three regions that had still been under the order — citing a drop in intensive care unit projections. But health officials warn that most counties still need to follow strict guidelines.

For more information: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/#county-status

1/13/21

California allows residents 65 and older to get COVID-19 vaccine, but doses remain limited

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that people 65 and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, but the sudden addition of roughly 6 million people to an already strained distribution network could still leave many waiting weeks for inoculations.

The major expansion of vaccination guidelines, which broadens the priority list beyond healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staffers, has been pushed by some health officials and experts as a way to boost access amid surging caseloads. Newsom and others said it was a positive step forward that will provide access as quickly as possible to people 65 and older, a group that has suffered disproportionately from the virus.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-01-13/california-opens-covid-vaccine-eligibility-people-over-65

12/2/20

Los Angeles City issues targeted stay-at-home order

The Coronavirus is widespread in our community, and the latest data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health shows more Angelenos are infected with COVID-19 than ever before. Our City is now close to a devastating tipping point, beyond which the number of hospitalized patients would start to overwhelm our hospital system, in turn risking needless suffering and death. These unfortunate facts about the spread of COVID-19 in our City mean that we must resume some of the more restrictive measures we instituted in the Spring. The way to avoid that dreaded scenario is clear. We must refrain from gathering with people from outside our household wherever possible. Angelenos have shown what is possible when we cooperate, listen, and protect our family, friends, neighbors, and favorite businesses. This most recent surge in COVID-19 cases presents us with an opportunity to work together, again, to reduce its spread and flatten the curve. We must minimize contact with others as much as possible. Even if you believe that the virus does not present a particular threat to you, consider the impact that your choices have on others. Because COVID-19 can be transmitted by someone who is unaware that she is carrying it, one person could be unknowingly infecting many people if she is not careful. The better we are now at staying apart, the sooner we will be able to come back together.

Under the provisions of Section 231(i) of the Los Angeles City Charter and Chapter 3, Section 8.27 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code, I hereby declare that the Safer L.A. Order, dated June 1, 2020 (subsequently revised), is temporarily withdrawn and superseded by this Order, which is necessary for the protection of life and property in the City of Los Angeles and is effective immediately: https://www.lamayor.org/sites/g/files/wph446/f/page/file/20201202%20Mayor%20Public%20Order%20Targeted%20SAH%20Order%20Updated.pdf 

10/29/20

California imposes “limited” curfew due to COVID-19 surge

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a mandatory overnight stay-at-home order that will be instituted throughout most of California to combat a surge in new coronavirus cases, a measure that comes just days after the governor enacted a dramatic rollback of reopening in much of the state.

The order issued by the California Department of Public Health will prohibit most nonessential activity outside the home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in counties in the strictest tier of the state’s reopening road map — the purple tier. The restriction goes into place on Saturday and lasts through Dec. 21, though it could be extended.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-19/california-limited-stay-at-home-rules-covid-19-surge

10/12/20

Los Angeles Remains in Tier 1 Reopening

• Coronavirus outbreaks tied to gatherings and workplaces are preventing L.A. County from reopening further.
  • Los Angeles County public health officials said that an uptick in coronavirus cases linked to social gatherings and workplace outbreaks are largely keeping the area from moving out of the state’s most restrictive tier for reopening.
  • While officials remain hopeful the county will be able to progress in California’s reopening plan in the coming weeks, the area is still firmly in Tier 1, one of only 10 counties in the state still considered to have a widespread risk of community transmission.
  • Though the county’s positivity rate has dropped to below 4 percent, it has still been hindered by a high number of new COVID-19 cases driven largely by outbreaks by personal gatherings, according to LA County Department of Public Health (LADPH) Director Ferrer.  “The only way we get to Tier 2 is to really double down,” Ferrer said about the county’s goal to move to the next tier. “We’re going to have to get used to living our lives with a different set of rules.”
  • Worksite outbreaks where there are clusters of three or more cases have also contributed to the county’s slight uptick in cases, which began around the end of September. Such outbreaks come on the heels of a staggered reopening plan in which the county most recently allowed indoor shopping centers to resume operations last week.
• Coronavirus transmission rate grows in L.A. County.
  • The novel coronavirus is spreading faster in Los Angeles County, with the rate of new cases expected to increase in the coming weeks, officials said.
  • Although most businesses have complied with COVID-19 safety protocols, Ferrer said the county has issued more than 130 citations, mostly to fitness centers and places of worship.
  • Large gatherings have also contributed greatly to infection increases, which is one reason that with Halloween less than three weeks away, Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti asked residents to be creative in their celebrations and to avoid trick-or-treating.  “Door-to-door trick-or-treating is not recommended as it makes social distancing nearly impossible,” Garcetti said.
• As holidays approach, California unveils new rules on family gatherings, social events.
  • With the holiday season approaching, California last week released new guidelines for socializing that prohibit gatherings among more than three households.
  • “We are entering into the holidays, but also we’re entering into the part of the year when things cool down and people are more likely to congregate … in settings that put their physical proximity and likelihood of transmitting disease at higher risk,” Governor Newsom said.  “Don’t be misled that this disease is any less deadly. Quite the contrary: it is as deadly as it’s ever been in the context of those that are high risk.”
  • Newsom has also warned about the upcoming flu season, which could create added challenges in battling the coronavirus, as well as the arrival of colder weather that may prompt people to spend more time indoors.
  • To protect public health and slow the rate of transmission, the state had previously banned all gatherings of any kind as well as any mingling of households.  DPH Director Ferrer said L.A. County would adopt the state guidelines while also acknowledging that they were a “slippery slope” and that private gatherings should occur sparingly.
• The U.S. is facing a renewed wave of infection and hospitalization related to COVID-19.
  • After a month of warning signs, data now makes it clear: The third surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is underway. Outbreaks have been worsening in many states for more than a month, and new COVID-19 cases jumped more than 18 percent this past week. Though testing rose by 8 percent nationally, that’s not enough of an increase to explain the steep rise in cases. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations, which had previously been creeping upward slowly, jumped more than 14 percent from a week earlier.
  • This week’s spike in new cases was spread across the country, rather than being concentrated in a few states, as occurred in the Northeast in the spring, in the Sun Belt in early June, and in the Midwest over the past few weeks. Seventeen states posted peak new-case days in the past week, including nine of 12 states in the Midwest and six of 11 states in the West.
  • The surge in hospitalizations is  less abrupt than those earlier in the year, and much more geographically widespread. And this time, more states that experienced major outbreaks earlier in the year are seeing hospitalizations rise again.
  • While California is yet to experience this new surge, the rise in new cases and hospitalizations across much of the rest of the U.S. should serve as a significant warning sign for the state.

7/13/20

LAUSD To Remain Closed This Fall

With Los Angeles’ coronavirus numbers headed in the wrong direction, L.A. Unified school officials have ruled out reopening the district’s campuses for in-person instruction when a new school year begins next month.

On August 18, classes will resume in online-only mode — though in his announcement Monday, Superintendent Austin Beutner pledged the district would offer more robust “distance learning” options this fall. Unlike last spring, he said, LAUSD students will be able to expect “daily, live engagement” with their teachers.

For more information, visit: https://laist.com/2020/07/13/coronavirus_lausd_schools_fall_reopening_decision_remain_closed.php

7/1/20

Fourth of July: What’s open and closed at Southern California beaches, parks, trails

On Wednesday, July 1 Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would be closing parking at state beaches throughout Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area for the weekend. He also announced closure of many indoor operations in L.A. and 18 other counties, including restaurant dining rooms, wineries, museums and card rooms for at least three weeks, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

For a full list of what is open and closed, please view: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/HOO/SaferatHomeOrder_ExamplesofOpenings.pdf

6/8/20

California Releases Guidelines for Reopening Schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond described the 62-page document as a checklist for schools to consider, however, the recommendations illustrate a number of drastic changes that will need to be made in order for students to return to their classrooms while practicing social distancing.

5/13/20

Mayor Eric Garcetti has issued an order requiring Angelenos to wear face coverings outside their homes.

The order will aid the fight against COVID-19, as restrictions are gradually eased to allow more people to return to work and outdoor recreation. The order exempts young children who are at risk of suffocation and people with certain disabilities from being required to wear a face covering.

Face coverings help stop the spread of the virus, and wearing them in public creates a layer of protection. However, a face covering is not a substitute for other critical measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 — most importantly, staying home as much as possible, washing hands frequently, and practicing safe physical distancing of at least 6 feet in all settings.

For more information, click here.

5/7/20

IN STAGES: ROADMAP TO SAFELY ADJUSTING THE SAFER AT HOME ORDER IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Starting May 8, the City and County of Los Angeles will enter Stage II and begin the process of slow and gradual adjustments to the Safer at Home order. Physical distancing, face coverings and other safety measures will remain in place and will be even more important.

A gradual approach is necessary to safely navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to slowly taper restrictions so we can avoid a surge of new COVID-19 cases that could overwhelm our healthcare and other systems. This strategy will be slow, deliberate, coordinated, and driven by data and public health criteria.

The first stage — where Los Angeles has been over the last several months — is crisis management mode, which has the goal of saving as many lives as possible.

The second stage aims to transition Angelenos back to a “new reality,” with a slow and gradual change to some restrictions, while always ensuring that there are adequate safety measures in place.

In the third and fourth stages, the City will transition to a state of monitoring, and aim to lift additional restrictions. In the fifth and final stage, the City will be fully reopened and turn its attention to reimagining itself in a post-COVID-19 period.

Stages ultimately become less restrictive as they progress. Key milestones must be reached before the City can transition to the next stage of recovery.

To learn more about the stages of recovery, visit: https://corona-virus.la/SaferLA

4/30/20

COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center: PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

LA County Provides Information on Services to Immigrant Community

Immigrant street vendors in Los Angeles County, like all Angelenos, are very concerned about the impact that the coronavirus outbreak is having on them and their families. And many are convinced that not only are there no support resources available to them, but that receiving any assistance will negatively affect their immigration status. As a result, many feel compelled to continue vending while putting at risk their own health, as well as that of their families and communities.

Immigrant street vendors, like everyone else, should seek and receive the help they need to withstand the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of their immigration status.

The Los Angeles County needs the help of trusted partners, such as members of the media who serve immigrants, hyperlocal media, and community stakeholders, to reach and educate street vendors that they need to follow public health directives to stay safer at home to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for them, their families and their communities.

Equally important, the County needs to educate street vendors about the wraparound services and protections available for them and their families to endure the pandemic while they stay safer at home.

Representatives of the media who serve immigrants should join this virtual press briefing to learn about important resources and protections for street vendors, including:

• Stay Safer Home: The importance to observe public health directives to protect your health, as well as that of your family and your community.
• Tenant Rights and Assistance
  • Evictions moratorium;
  • Temporary rent freeze;
  • Rent payments deferments;
  • Dispute resolution services.
• Health Care: COVID-19 prevention, testing, treatment
  • My Health LA
  • Medi-Cal
• Public Social Services
  • CalFresh: Food Stamps
  • General Relief
  • Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

WHEN: Thursday, April 30 2:30 p.m.

SPEAKERS:

• Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Chair Pro Tem First District, County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
• Antonia Jimenez, Director, Department of Public Social Services
• Rigo Reyes (MC), Executive Director, Office of Immigrant Affairs, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
• Lisa Frias, E.H.S., Director of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health
• Anna Gormam, Director of Community Partnerships and Programs, My Health LA, Department of Health Services
• Manuel Ruiz, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs

WATCH LIVE:

• YouTube: youtube.com/CountyofLA
• Facebook: facebook.com/HildaSolis
• Twitter: twitter.com/HildaSolis

• *Members of the public and media can listen in by telephone:
  • English: (877) 873-8017, Access Code: 111111
  • Spanish: (877) 873-8017, Access Code: 222222
  • Mandarin: (877) 611-4778, Access Code: 9516097
  • Korean: (877) 611-4778, Access Code: 9275591

Media Contact:

Los Angeles County Joint Information Center – COVID-19
[email protected]
(424) 241-3775
If you require special accommodations, please call (213) 952-903

Apri 13, 2020

LAUSD to remain closed for the rest of the school year

Los Angeles Unified School District campuses will remain closed for the remainder of the school year and courses through the summer will continue online amid ongoing coronavirus concerns, Superintendent Austin Beutner announced April 13.

For more information, view Beuter’s announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XVAHpwQxVM

4/20/20

Los Angeles County extends stay-at-home order through May 15.

Los Angeles County health officials shared the latest COVID-19 modeling and warned Friday that the region needs to significantly increase physical distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus and that stay-at-home restrictions could remain into the summer.

For more information, click here.

4/8/20

The City of Los Angeles Expands Free Coronavirus Testing

This week we announced the expansion of our free testing program. Now, any resident of L.A. County with symptoms of COVID-19 can schedule a test. The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles, is providing access to free COVID-19 testing to Los Angeles County residents.

At this time, testing is limited in Los Angeles to people with symptoms, or people who have been prevented from working because of contact with someone who has been infected

Please note that same or next day testing appointments are prioritized for individuals over 65, or who have underlying chronic health conditions.

Tests are also prioritized for first responders, critical government workers, or health care professionals. Those individuals should inquire at their affiliated hospital, medical center or department for information about how to schedule a same or next day appointment for testing.

The tests provided through this program are mouth swab tests that do not require assistance. Prepare for your appointment by watching this video.

If you are a Kaiser Permanente member, click here to get testing and services through your provider’s system.

For more questions about testing, please visit our FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions.

April 6, 2020

Department of Children and Family Services Calls on Community to be the Voice for Children Amid Coronavirus School Closures

Los Angeles – April 6, 2020 – On the heels of the announcement that students will remain out of school for the remainder of the academic year due to the current public health crisis, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is calling on residents to help ensure that children remain safe.

During this unprecedented time, families may experience higher levels of stress and uncertainty and the department is asking that community members be observant of children who may be experiencing neglect or abuse.

DCFS Director Bobby D. Cagle said that with children out of the line of sight of mandated reporters, such as teachers and medical personnel, the concern for child safety has significantly increased.

“Social workers rely heavily on mandated reporters to initiate contact with our department in order for us to protect children,” Director Cagle said. “With this safeguard now gone, I am calling on Los Angeles County residents to be the voice for children who may be experiencing physical abuse, severe food insecurity or other forms of neglect.”

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an observance that strives to bring awareness of tools and resources available to families in need of support. The most common type of maltreatment is neglect. Federal statistics reveal that in 2019 an estimated 678,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect nationwide and, the year before, 4.3 million reports were made involving some 7.8 million children.

For those who work with families at risk of becoming involved with the child welfare system, the goal is to help foster healthy relationships by imparting coping strategies to navigate difficult circumstances that can lead to neglect or abuse.

This objective, dovetails with DCFS’ prevention and aftercare services. During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, DCFS invested nearly $20 million in services including provision of basic goods, parenting education, financial literacy and peer support groups. These services are available regardless of age, immigration or insurance status, for as long as needed.

Recognizing that family dynamics may be challenging even on the best of days, Director Cagle stressed the need for child abuse prevention awareness and community involvement now more than ever.

“This situation is sure to test the limits of even the most patient individuals,” he said. “But I want to emphasize that there are services available in the community to help. If you or someone you know is in need of extra support during this time of heightened uncertainty, please contact DCFS to find out what services are available in your area.”

To learn more about child abuse prevention month and how you can help, please visit: childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/about/.

The DCFS Child Protection Hotline may be reached at 800-540-4000.

April 2nd, 2020

The City of Los Angeles has issued new guidance to L.A. residents on the importance of wearing face coverings in public. The California Department of Public Health has also issued public guidance on the use of face coverings.

Early data suggests that many who are infected with COVID-19 are not symptomatic, which is why we recommend all members of the public wear cloth face coverings when leaving the house for essential activities. However, a face covering is not a substitute for other critical measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 — most importantly, staying home as much as possible, washing hands frequently, and practicing safe physical distancing in all settings.

For more information, visit: https://corona-virus.la/FaceCovering

March 25, 2020

Los Angeles County issues new self-quarantine and self-isolation orders

• The new orders ensure that individuals who test positive for COVID-19, and those who are told by a clinician they are presumed to be positive for COVID-19, are required to self-isolate and self-quarantine
• Self-quarantine is required for anyone exposed to a person diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19. Individuals must stay in quarantine for 14 days from the last time they had contact with the ill person, and they cannot leave their place of quarantine, with the only exception being for medical care
• Self-isolation is required for anyone diagnosed with or showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of being in close contact with a person who had or was believed to have COVID-19. Individual self-isolation periods must last at least 3 days without symptoms, including being fever free without taking medicine, and 7 days since symptoms started, whichever is longer, and the individual notify anyone they’ve had close contact with while symptomatic to self-quarantine themselves. The only exception is to leave self-isolation for medical care.

March 23, 2020

On Monday, March 23rd, LAUSD announced that schools would be closed until May 1st. During that time, school district leaders will assess the situation and give further information on how the schools will move forward closer to the date.

Students will be provided with lesson plans from their teachers and/or free televised and digital educational classes from PBS SoCal. For more information, click here.

During closures, LAUSD is opening 60 “grab-and-go” food centers. For more information visit: https://achieve.lausd.net/resources

For more information on school closures, view First 5 LA continually updating resource page: http://www.first5la.org/article/covid-19-resource…

March 20, 2020

U.S. Census Update

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census will also extend its deadline:

• The Census Bureau said on March 20th that it will extend the deadline for counting everyone in the U.S. by two weeks
• The nonresponse follow-up operation, where enumerators go door-to-door to count people who have not responded, will start in late May instead of mid-May, and it will end Aug. 14th rather than July 31st operations. People can also respond online, by phone, or by mail until Aug. 14th.
• The bureau will also delay a count of homeless people by one month until the end of April.

March 20, 2020

DPPS To Continue Services Uninterrupted

As of March 20th, all DPSS services will continue uninterrupted through May 2020.

While DPSS centers are currently closed, services are continuing to be provided via website and phone. You can now enroll and apply online.

Click here for more information.

March 19, 2020

As of March 19th, Gov. Newsom has ordered Californians to stay at home except for leaving for essential needs. The order will be in place through April 19, 2020 and is subject to extension. For more information, visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essent…

Here are the key parts of the “Safer at Home” order:

• Angelenos are directed to stay in their residences and limit activity outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary for essential tasks — including to secure food and health care, safety and medical necessities, as well as to care for children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
• Many businesses — including malls, many shops, companies, and nonprofit organizations — must stop operations that require workers to be present in-person.
• No public and private gatherings that would occur outside of a single home will be allowed.

There are exceptions to this order. Please see this Safer at Home FAQ for a list of the essential activities and businesses that will remain open and other important information.