Director of Public health

Los Angeles County Launches ‘L.A. VS Hate’ Campaign to Challenge Hate Crime Increase

From January through July, the 2-1-1 hotline received 256 calls reporting hate. In response the County is launching the ‘L.A. VS Hate’ Campaign. It is a 3-part strategy to bring the County under one mission of unity, create a system to make reporting hate crime easier, and finally to expand the capacity to act when faced with a hate crime. The campaign uses art inspired programs to uplift the unity in a diversified community. Artists are invited to participate in creative interventions to share a common passion with all residents.  

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

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.

L.A. County Appointed Strategic Leader to Oversee Urgent Response for Unsheltered Populations during COVID-19

Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Ferrer shared Tuesday, April 21. there were 46 additional deaths, 33 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 19 of them with underlining health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 663. Barbara disclosed as of April 20. There are 567 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 15,140 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

10 L.A. First Responders contracted the COVID-19 virus, most recovered and went back out to the frontlines

Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. As of Tuesday, March 31. Over 19,300 people have been tested for COVID-19, and 12% tested positive for the virus. Ferrer shared on Tuesday that there were 10 additional deaths, these individuals were between the age of 41-65. One of the fatal cases reported on Monday was a health care worker, they are the first in the health care occupation that has passed in Los Angeles. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 54. Barbara disclosed that as of March 31. There are 548 new COVID-19 reports, in summary there is a total amount of 3,011 cases in the Los Angeles region. The cases in the L.A. region have more than tripled within a week.

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

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.