L.A. County COVID-19 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

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.

COVID-19 Local

L.A County Public Officials Create “Five-stage Recovery Roadmap” to Relax Safer at Home Order

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMay 7, 2020

Thursday, May 7, Los Angeles Officials provided news surrounding the recovery stages, L.A. is conceiving a new normal post pandemic. The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors partnered with the city mayor, to create a phased plan for approved local businesses to open such as florists, car dealers, and stores that sell toys, books, clothing, sporting goods, and music stores. They will be only operating by curbside pickup. There will be more businesses opening over the course of this month, however if numbers begin to reflect a negative turn, L.A. Public officials will draw back from opening business and community spaces.

COVID-19 Local

Los Angeles Take Steps Toward Recovery; L.A. County Officials List the Businesses opening by Friday

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMay 6, 2020

Wednesday, May 6, the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center provided new information surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. The Director of Public Health disclosed the statistics of positive cases and death rates. Los Angeles is preparing to dive back into the economy, as some Angelenos head back to work. The health services confirmed that the hospital capacity is stable, however the next few weeks will determine how well L.A. returns to outbound working industries. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors shared community acts that are happening amid the viral pandemic. The main factors flattening the curve is testing accessibility and adhering to the social distancing guidelines.

COVID-19 Health Local News (Business)

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 Health Local

L.A. County Officials Prepare for the Stay at Home Order to be Relaxed

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMay 4, 2020

Monday, May 4, Los Angeles County Officials provided latest updates surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. L.A. is preparing for the resurgence of the economy; according to the public health services, there will be spikes in the spread of coronavirus while Angelenos adjust going back to work. There is a prediction of COVID-19 coming in waves, with the potential of another call to go back inside. The Los Angeles County Director of Public Health, Barbara Ferrer, disclosed latest numbers in positive cases in L.A. County. Ferrer shared the recent data behind the death rate and the demographics of the most vulnerable communities.

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 Local News

New COVID-19 Testing Updates from Los Angeles Department of Health Opens Eligibility to Asymptomatic Individuals

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterMay 1, 2020

Thursday, April 30. Los Angeles Public Officials provided news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. L.A. is entering phase two of the California state governor’s four-phase plan to open the economy system. Director of Health Christina Ghaly provided clarification and new information regarding testing guidelines at the local testing sites. The Department of Health Services is the entity responsible for testing operations within the Los Angeles County.

COVID-19 Health Local

L.A. County Leadership say that “Testing Accessibility” is their Biggest Defense against Disproportionate COVID-19 Death Rate among African Americans

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 29, 2020

Wednesday, April 29, the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center resumed their gathering after an adjusted schedule yesterday, The L.A. Board of Supervisors held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss an action plan. The plan outlines a foreseeable future in the post pandemic era. Aligned with the California State Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles is looking to open low risk brick-and-mortars within the next coming weeks. L.A. County Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer, provided the most recent data behind the ethnicity relationship and fatal outcome of COVID-19. There is an undeniable call for action to close the gap in resources within underserved communities. High anticipation is surrounding the images envisioned around the new economy and city infrastructure 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 Local

L.A. County Officials Report COVID-19 spread is leveling out; Medical experts still recommend adhering to social distancing guidelines

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 23, 2020

Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Ferrer shared Wednesday, April 22. there were 66 additional deaths, 48 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 38 of them with underlining health conditions. 13 people were between the age of 41-65, and 9 individuals had preexisting health concerns. There were 2 victims between the age 18-40, both had underlining health issues. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 729. Barbara disclosed as of April 22. There are 1,318 new COVID-19 reports.

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

L.A. District Attorney Cracks Down on Scammers and Price Gauging in the midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 17, 2020

Thursday, April 16. The L.A. Board of Supervisors welcomed District attorney, Jackie Lacey to disclose information from the district attorney office surrounding the spread of COVID-19. The Director of public health provided updated statistics behind the pandemic that has affected every part of the L.A. City structure.

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.