L.A. County coronavirus update

Stores Not Adhering to COVID-19 Health Officer Orders Over the Weekend; 162 out of 410 Were in Violation

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMay 11, 2020

Last weekend, Los Angeles slowly opened specific sectors of stores for the first time since March. Mother’s Day weekend embarked on new territory for the City of Los Angeles; as of May 8, thousands of businesses opened for curbside service. L.A. looked to their elected officials to guide the following steps into recovery. The effects will come to light in the following weeks. Monday, May 11 L.A. County shared their updated news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, they clarified what future moves will be taken into economic recovery. Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer disclosed statistics surrounding the positive cases and COVID-19 related death rates within the Los Angeles region. The city is still far from uplifting all the Safer at Home Order directives, but public officials share their deliberations with the community about future steps in relaxing a few details in the Safer at Home Order.

COVID-19 Local

Mental Health Awareness Month has begun; L.A. County Officials Announce Virtual Mental Health Resources Available during Coronavirus Pandemic

Betti HalsellMay 1, 2020

Friday, May 1. The Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center released new information surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. The public officials announced their initiative to cope with COVID-19 Quarantine. They are announcing the WE RISE program is now completely virtual and available during the pandemic. Dr. Barbara Ferrer provided the most recent data behind the ethnicity relationship and fatal outcome of COVID-19. She also shared the latest news surrounding the positive cases in L.A. There is raising concern for those that are on the wrong side of the digital divide, who do not have access to the virtual world. There is much anticipation on what County Officials have in store for closing the technological gap in the post pandemic era.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. Board of Supervisors look to create “Action Plan” to Re-open local Economy; COVID-19 Death Rate Still Rising in African American Communities

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 27, 2020

The relationship with coronavirus death rates and race and ethnicity were disclosed. For the 865 people who passed away and the race information was collected 14% were African American, 18% were Asian, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 37% were LatinX, 28% were white, and 1% identified who passed away, were from a different race or ethnicity. The disproportionate death rate within the African American and Asian communities were acknowledged. Through a pro-rated formula, the health department determined that African Americans have the highest COVID-19 related death rate than all other races. An in-depth study presented those who lived below the poverty line, had three times the rate of death from COVID-19.

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 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 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.

COVID-19 Health Local

LOS ANGELES COUNTY OPENS NEW DRIVE-UP TESTING SITES

Sentinel News ServiceApril 2, 2020

Dr. Kazan continues to reach out to healthcare stakeholders all across Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County seeks to support and scale the efforts of cities and health care providers who have begun their own testing programs, merge them into the county-wide network and ensure that they have adequate supplies. Additional sites in Northridge, Long Beach, Lancaster, and Pasadena are presently in planning stages.

COVID-19 Daily Briefs Health Local Political Safety

Two Trillion-dollar federal relief bill passed through senate; Los Angeles County Officials provide projected update surrounding Corona Virus Pandemic

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMarch 26, 2020

Thursday, March 26. Chairwoman of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, Kathryn Barger and Chair Pro Tem, Hilda Solis collaborate with the L.A. Public Health Department to disclose new developments regarding the COVID-19 virus. Considering the relief bill that passed through senate with no opposed vote, Los Angeles city officials decipher what this will mean for L.A. residents during this time of crisis.