L.A. County COVID-19 update

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. 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.