2. Do Not Drink or Inject Household Cleaners and Disinfectants
The CDC and California Department of Public Health have issued reminders that household cleaners and disinfectants can cause serious health problems when not used properly. Under no circumstances should a disinfectant or cleaning products (such a bleach) be administered into your body (such as by drinking or injection). Follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use. Learn more about cleaning and disinfecting your home by visiting the CDC’s website.
3. Water Safety During Hot Weather
As the weather heats up, LA County wants to remind families with access to swimming pools of the importance of water safety:
Never take your eyes off a child that is near or in a swimming pool; children can "drown without a sound."
Don't rely on fences or barriers and inflatable devices for safety in a swimming pool
Even if your child has had swimming lessons, they are still at risk for drowning; nothing substitutes adult supervision.
Learn CPR, you never know when you might need this life-saving skill.
4. New Health Officer Orders for Long-term Care Facilities
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced today that it is issuing a new public order for all licensed congregate healthcare facilities (nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities). The order will be effective in Culver City upon the effective date noted in the order. The order includes measures intended to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in these facilities and to protect vulnerable residents, as well as staff. The public order includes the following measures:
Restricting all visitors
Suspending all communal dining and activities to ensure physical distancing
Screening frequent temperature checks for staff, patients and residents
Testing for all employees and residents
Staff will be required to wear surgical masks at all times and personal protective equipment when appropriate.
Residents will also need to wear surgical masks or cloth face coverings when they are outside of their personal room.
Personnel from the City’s Fire Department are continuing to visit each of the City’s 33 senior living facilities multiple times a week. The Fire Department has worked since mid-March with each of the City’s senior living facilities to ensure they are implementing the majority of the requirements contained in Public Health’s new order. The Fire Department will continue to monitor and assist the senior living facilities as necessary.
This year, we encourage you to celebrate Ramadan at home at this critical moment in the fight against COVID-19. Thank you for all that you are doing to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We encourage everyone to connect with faith communities, friends and family from afar online, by phone and all other ways technology is allowing us to be in touch.
6. Heat Advisory
High temperatures have been forecast for many areas throughout LA County. As the Safer at Home Order remains in effect, the LA County Department of Public Health would like to remind everyone that precautions should be taken to avoid heat-related illness, especially by older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with a chronic medical condition, among others, who are especially sensitive to negative health impacts from extreme heat. Public Health offers the following recommendations during high temperatures:
Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and bring a hat or umbrella with you.
Cars get very hot. Don't leave children or pets in cars, and call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
Beware of heat-related illness, like heat stroke and call 911 if you see these symptoms: high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin.
Check on those at risk, like the sick, older adults, pregnant women, and children.
Avoid working out wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purposes; this means avoiding contact with others while you work out.
The closest Cooling Center to Culver City is located in South Los Angeles at Colonel Leon Washington Park, 8908 South Maie Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002
Centers are free of charge and intended for people who urgently need relief from the heat
All visitors should bring with them and wear a face covering at all times
7. Thank You for Staying Safer at Home
LA County urges you to continue practicing physical distancing during warm weather. Each time you stay home, you protect yourself, your neighbors, and community members from spreading COVID-19. Remember, LA County beaches and beach bike paths remain closed.
Remaining indoors as the weather gets warmer in Los Angeles County can feel like a challenge. The following are some ways to keep busy and productive at home:
Find a furry friend: Foster a dog, cat or rabbit through Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control and save an orphaned animal.
Connect virtually with loved ones: There is no better time to call, text, or video chat loved ones to check in.
And last but not least, make a “crisis deal” with your family members. Take time to talk about what truly matters to each of you during the COVID-19 crisis, and clarify essential wants and needs. Set clear priorities for your family. When this kind of communication takes place, set kinds of principles are communicated, the practical day-to-day decisions that come later are easier.
8. Face Covering Resources for Residents and Businesses
A sampling of manufacturers selling face coverings is posted on the City’s website. The City is providing this list as a courtesy resource for the community, and by providing this information the City does not expressly or by implication endorse any of these vendors. Availability, in-stock, and shipping times may vary. This list is not comprehensive—there are many other companies and individuals selling face coverings online.
If you are a Culver City business that is producing face coverings or other personal protective equipment and would like to appear on this list, please email the City to be added to the list.
9. Special Enrollment-Period for Health Care Coverage due to COVID-19
Covered California has issued a special enrollment period for those impacted by income changes, reduced hours or lay off due to COVID-19. If the following circumstances apply to you, you may be eligible for health care coverage through Covered CA:
You’ve lost Medi-Cal coverage
You’ve lost your employer-sponsored coverage
Your COBRA coverage is exhausted
You are no longer eligible for student health coverage
Those without access to the Internet can call Covered CA's Service Center at (800) 300-1506 for assistance with determining eligibility and/or applying for health care coverage.
If you're not eligible for Covered CA health coverage, visit LA County's My Health LA (MHLA) website. MHLA is a no-cost health care program for individuals or families who do not have and cannot get health insurance. For assistance over the phone with MHLA, call (844) 744-6452 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday through Friday).
10. Free, Same-Day COVID-19 Tests Available
Free same-day tests are available for all LA County residents, including Culver City residents. For the general public, testing is currently available only for people with symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can now book a same or next day appointment.
For certain critical front-line workers, testing is available even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Front line workers include: first responders, critical government personnel, health care professionals, and grocery workers. If you are not sure whether you qualify, ask your employer for further information.
Please know the following factors do not affect eligibility for a COVID-19 test:
11. Let's make a Culver City connection and talk soon. We’ll call YOU!
We want you to know that we are here for you. If you or another Culver City resident would like a check-in call for a quick chat, let us know. Our friendly City staff are making weekly phone calls to any residents 18 and older just to say “hi," see how you are doing, or offer information and resources. You don’t need a reason—we’ll call you. If you would like to sign-up for the weekly phone call program, give us a ring at (310) 253-6890.
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 AM to 5:30 PM). 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.