Barbara Ferrer – Page 3 – Los Angeles Sentinel

L.A. County’s First Step into Recovery; Thousands of Businesses Open for Curbside Pickup

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMay 8, 2020

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 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.

Los Angeles County Health Department Announces Guidelines in place for Businesses to Follow as L.A. Prepares for Economic Recovery

Betti HalsellMay 6, 2020

Tuesday May 5. Los Angeles Public Officials disclose charitable news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. L.A. is preparing for a gradual recovery of local businesses and community locations. There is concern of what guidance will be provided from the health department. The decisions made by city leaders continue to be guided by the data collected by the department of health services, and other professional medical personnel. Director of public health Barbara Ferrer delivers updated numbers that represent positive cases and death rates within the Los Angeles County. All public officials stressed the importance of the requirements of social distancing as L.A. approaches a new way of operating businesses.

COVID-19 Local

Los Angeles County Announces 38 New Deaths Related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 691 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

Sentinel News ServiceMay 2, 2020

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 38 new deaths and 691 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Twenty-eight people who died were over the age of 65 years old, seven people who died were between the ages of 41 to 65 years old, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Twenty-eight people had underlying health conditions including 23 people over the age of 65 years old, four people between the ages of 41 to 65 years old and one person between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Two deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. Public Officials Collaborate with USC Research Program; Results show Extreme Increase in COVID-19 Case Rate

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 20, 2020

Monday, April 20. Los Angeles City Officials welcomed lead researcher Neeraj Sood from University of Southern California. He provided in depth scientific research about COVID-19. Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health disclosed updated statistics surrounding the coronavirus outbreak happening across the Los Angeles Region. The results from the research conducted by USC discovered that L.A. is still in the preliminary stages of the pandemic.

COVID-19 Health News

COVID-19: turns Pre-existing Issues into Devastating Tragedies; How the Digital Divide No Longer Can Remain on The Outskirts of Government Policy

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 16, 2020

Coronavirus emphasized the impact of pre-existing obstacles: homelessness, unemployment and lack of digital resources by the demographic.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. Eviction Moratorium has been adjusted to cover all of Los Angeles Region

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 15, 2020

Wednesday, April 15. L.A. Board of Supervisors welcomed county departments of Health and Business and Consumers to provide the latest news affecting their offices, amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. The conference covered concerns about rent stabilization, financial economy, and the environmental health as we prepare for spikes in positive coronavirus cases. There have been discussions about plans to re-open local businesses, but alongside California State Governor Newsom, L.A. Mayor Garcetti are very strategic on the process of re-opening local businesses. If this is not handled properly, the city could be facing multiple spikes in contracted COVID-19 cases, in addition to a higher fatality rate. Governor Gavin Newsom created a California goal list before the Stay at Home Order be totally lifted.

COVID-19 Health Local Safety

30% of the Population in the L.A. Juvenile Correctional Facilities have been released, due to COVID-19

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 14, 2020

Monday, April 13. The Los Angeles Emergency Operation Center welcomed L.A. Chief Ray Leyva to speak on behalf of the L.A. Probation Department. Conditions and protocols were disclosed amid the COVID-19 crisis, that is affecting every part of the Los Angeles city Infrastructure. Director of Public Health provided revised data surrounding the cases of coronavirus.

COVID-19 Health Local

Public Order “Stay at Home” has been extended; L.A. Officials share new requirements that follow the extension

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 10, 2020

Another update within testing for COVID-19, 1,000 random L.A. residents will be tested with a serologic or an antibody test. This test does not detect the actual virus, it detects the triggered antibodies surrounding the virus. It will be able to detect current or past infections. This will be able to determine who may have had the virus in the past, but never revealed any symptoms. The random testing will be going on for the next few months. The last update was the use of cloth coverings, wearing some type of covering while being outside was highly stressed. It is recommended that the cloth covers be made of cotton. Before putting on your face, it is suggested to wash your hands. Children that are two and under should not use cloth face coverings and parents should monitor available coverings for young children. The new updates behind the Stay at Home order assist L.A. County Officials prepare for the recovery stages of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Health Local News

L.A. Needs More Help during COVID-19 Pandemic; Public Officials distinguish Available Resources

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 10, 2020

Joseph Nicchitta, Director of Consumer and Business Affairs disclosed there is a motion among the county official table, detailing a relief fund for small businesses. The goal for the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is to provide timely and accurate information. This level of office is looking to cover multiple tiers of business, such as the “Gig” economy and business owners where English is their secondary language. As of March 26. There is a central hub for information, The Business and Worker Disaster Health Center. Assistance from established business personnel directly from the Department of Consumer and Business, and other public departments are available within that function to assist those in need. Collectively there are nine languages available within this central hub. The Emergency Operations Center are pulling together federal and local aid to support the fragile immune system of our economy.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. Public Officials Report that African Americans have a higher rate in COVID-19 related deaths

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 7, 2020

Tuesday, April 7. L.A. Public Officials deliver latest news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The solutions to handle the outbreak change daily, as the virus grows to unprecedented numbers and affect all L.A. inhabitants. New data reflects the number of COVID-19 fatalities by ethnicity. The L.A. Public Health Department shared statistical evidence that African Americans have a higher COVID-19 death rate than any other race.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. County Officials Face Concerns of Hospital Availability as L.A. Prepares for Surge in Positive COVID-19 Cases

April 6, 2020

Monday, April 6. L.A. County officials provided an update surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chairwoman of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, Kathryn Barger ensured that the county is “working around the clock” to increase coronavirus testing capacity; they are looking to make more testing sites available. Although testing is still primarily for those in high-risk categories; Supervisor Barger recapped last week’s progression. There are two new testing sites in Antelope Valley and one at the Glendale Memorial Hospital. As of April 6. The California Governor announced the state has already secured “up to 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. Emergency Operation Center Discuss County Assistance for Residents and Small Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 5, 2020

Hilda Solis delivered news regarding aide for small businesses and reducing lay-offs. Solis paraphrased Governor Newsom’s announcement, L.A. County will be receiving state funding to assist local workers and businesses. Within the two million dollars allocated to L.A. County, $500,000 will be used as grants to eligible businesses that were impacted by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is put in place to keep businesses operational and retain employees. Supervisor Solis disclosed there is a new central portal that focuses on L.A. workers and small businesses, called “Business and Worker Disaster Help Center.” Within its first week of launching, they have taken over 1,000 calls from business owners and workers looking for guidance during the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19 Education Health Local News (Family)

L.A. Schools Are Closed for the Rest of The Academic School Year, Corona Virus Sheds Light on the Digital Divide

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 2, 2020

Thursday, April 2. The L.A. County Office of Education disclosed emergency protocols that are taking place within the Los Angeles school system. Based on the recommendation from the California State Governor, academic curriculum will remain virtually achievable for the remainder of the school year. The L.A. Office County of Education shared how this will affect the 80 school districts that are in the Los Angeles region. The Emergency Operation Center recognized the stress that will contribute to parents and care givers who are now responsible for facilitating a virtual hub of education for their child. Director of Public Health shared the most recent data surrounding COVID-19.

Business COVID-19 Health Local News (Business)

L.A. County unable to extend property tax deadline for property owners during COVID-19 pandemic

March 30, 2020

Monday, March 30. Los Angeles city officials publicized latest updates surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The county has partnered with local cities to secure additional hotels and motels to be used for multiple functions at this time. The Los Angeles tax collector and treasurer disclosed more information about payment arrangements for property tax, as we approach the deadline on April 10. The Emergency Operations center remains to be the focal resource for information during this time of crisis.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. Public Officials disclose update on housing solutions in light of COVID-19

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMarch 22, 2020

Friday, March 20. Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, the public health department, and the L.A. County fair Association shared new information regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The press conference was held at the Pomona Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center; the Pomona Sheraton Hotel will be a housing facility for people experiencing symptoms of the corona virus, in addition to people who need to self-Isolate. Director of Public Health, Barbara Ferrer, shared an updated count of the Corona Virus cases in Los Angeles. There was an overwhelming positive response from Angelenos in light of the Safer at home, Stay at home