Public Officials Announce: ‘Great Plates Delivered’ Initiative
Friday, May 8, marks the first step for a new economic reality. Thousands of non-essential local businesses opened today for the first time since the Safer at Home Order, that began in March. As of May 8, Florists, car dealers, places that sell toys, books, clothing, sporting goods, and music stores can be open for curbside pickup service. The Los Angeles County reiterated the critical safety measures that must be taken during this time. The L.A. County Director of Public Health shared the latest statistics surrounding COVID-19 in L.A. County. The public officials are still constructing a plan for a gradual recovery, as new information surfaces about coronavirus.
Food Drive events are being held across the county that are supporting families in need. Each event is providing meat, rice, beans, fresh fruit, in addition to other food condiments to those who have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Multiple City Officials are supporting and participating in these events. In addition to the elected officials, community members are donating their time to help those in less fortunate circumstances.
Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Ferrer shared Friday, May 8, there were 51 additional deaths, 39 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 36 of them with underlining health conditions. eight people who died were between the ages of 41-65, six of them had preexisting health concerns. two victims were under the age of 41 with one of them having preexisting health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,468.
Ferrer disclosed as of May 8, there were 883 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 30,296 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 875 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 516 cases in the city of Pasadena. Among the unsheltered community, the positive case count has reached 223, with 135 victims sheltered and properly isolated.
For the 1,352 fatal cases where race and ethnicity were identified; 12% were African American, 18% were Asian, 39% were LatinX, 28% were white, 1% were native Hawaiian or pacific islander, and 1% identified as another ethnicity. As a result of the disproportionate death rates, Ferrer mentioned that the county is working on an action plan to combat the discrepancy, the plan is posted on the Los Angeles County Website, studies show those who fall under the poverty line, has four times the amount of COVID-19 death rates.
The County of L.A. announced their participation in the state of California’s “Great Plates Delivered” initiative. In collaboration with the Board of Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) and the Office of Emergency management, Los Angeles County will provide three home-delivered meals a day to eligible senior citizens who may be at high-risk for COVID-19. This will also stimulate the economy by providing work for restaurants and having the need for them to be fully staffed. L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Kathryn Barger stated, “This collaborative effort bolsters local business supports the regional economy and ensures the well-being and care of at-risk seniors. This act of unity and creativity, which benefits so many in our community, is a win-win.”
