Construction industry employers are required to develop a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control plan, which includes control measures such as social distancing, symptom checking, hygiene requirements, decontamination procedures, and training. Construction sites must take steps to prevent any onsite worker from contracting COVID-19 by completing an exposure control plan and implementing control practices such as:
Preventing gatherings of any size and ensuring a minimum 6-foot separation between persons at all times.
Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, face shields and face masks as appropriate for the activity being performed.
Posting required hygiene practices including: not touching the face with unwashed hands or with gloves; washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, machines, shared tools, elevator control buttons, and doorknobs; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; and other hygienic recommendations by the CDC.
Placing hand wash stations or hand sanitizers in multiple locations to encourage hand hygiene.
Failure to comply with the City’s guidance may result in withheld inspections or shutting down the construction site until corrected.
Complaints about construction activity not adhering to the guidelines should be made via email or by phone to the City’s Coronavirus Hotline at (310) 253-6890.
2. SCE Offers Bill Help to Customers Impacted by COVID-19
To help with financial challenges due to COVID-19, Southern California Edison (SCE) is temporarily suspending service disconnections for customers unable to pay their bill and waiving late fees by request. If you are facing difficulties balancing your energy needs and household costs, SCE provides assistance and resources that can help. Visit SCE online or call (800) 655-4555 for more information.
3. What should I do if I have symptoms and think I may have been exposed to COVID-19?
As of April 1, 2020, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued new guidance as a result of recent research by the CDC for those who have symptoms and think they may have been exposed to COVID-19:
During the current outbreak, it is likely that many people with cold and flu-like symptoms have COVID-19. Most people do not need to see a doctor or get a test for COVID-19, because they will have a mild illness and can get better at home. However, people should call their doctor early, if they are 65 years and older, pregnant, or have a health problem such as a chronic disease or a weak immune system, because they are at higher risk of serious illness.
You need to remain isolated at home for at least 3 days (72 hours) after recovery. Recovery means your fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medications and there is improvement in your respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
You should notify all of your close contacts that they have been exposed and need to quarantine for 14 days. Tell everyone you had close contact with starting 48 hours before your symptoms started.
If the news surrounding COVID-19 is making you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, call LACDMH 24/7 hotline at (800) 854-7771 or text LA to 741741 to get help.
5. Do You Need a Volunteer?
If you or someone you know has a non-emergency, non-medical need related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and you would like assistance from a volunteer, please email the City or call the City’s Coronavirus Hotline at (310) 253-6890 (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). If you email or leave a message at the Hotline after hours, please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and your need. In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
6. Call for Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer to help the City assist those in need (including older adults), please email the City or call the City’s Coronavirus Hotline at (310) 253-6890 (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). If you email or leave a message at the Hotline after hours, please include your name, phone number, email address, and any special skills you may have (language, equipment, certifications, etc.) and preferred volunteer activity (deliver groceries to older adults, make phone calls, etc.) You can also find additional volunteer opportunities on the California Volunteers webpage.
7. Neighbors Helping Neighbors
If you are able to assist a neighbor who is 65 or older, or a neighbor who has an underlying medical condition, reach out via phone, text, or drop a note on their doorstep to ask if they need anything before you go to the grocery store or pharmacy. We are all in this together.