Public Health Urges Everyone to Stay Home – Expect Extension of Public Health Officer Orders
COVID-19 Counts in Culver City and LA County
Celebrating Christmas Safely
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Places of Worship
Get CA Notify on Your Phone – California’s Contract Tracing Tool
FREE COVID-19 Testing – Some Test Sites May Close or Have Modified Hours Over the Holidays
Donate Blood – You’re Somebody’s Type
Food Resources
You Are Not Alone
Get Headspace for free, sponsored by the County of Los Angeles
1. Public Health Urges Everyone to Stay Home – Expect Extension of Public Health Officer Orders
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) notes that the extremely high numbers of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 we are experiencing are as a result of too many gatherings with non-household members, too many people traveling, and too many people letting their guard down over the Thanksgiving holiday. Public Health warns that if we do not change how we celebrate, we will experience a surge on top of a surge.
Again today, Public Health confirmed the highest number of new COVID-19 deaths, cases and hospitalizations reported throughout the pandemic. There are 6,499 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized.
It is necessary for everyone to follow the simple public health safety measures that provide protection from COVID-19 and minimize spreading it to friends and family. Stay home. Stop the surge.
2. COVID-19 Counts in Culver City and LA County
The City of Culver City mourns the loss of our residents who have passed away, which sadly includes the passing of residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County of Los Angeles Public Health Department tracks COVID-19 cases and deaths of County residents.
Totals through 8:00 PM December 22, 2020
Culver City
Cases – 1,079
Deaths – 38
Los Angeles County
Cases – 16,525 new cases were reported today (663,954 cases to date)
Deaths – 145 new deaths were reported today (9,153 deaths to date)
Please protect yourself and those around you by wearing a face covering, washing your hands regularly, staying at home as much as possible, keeping at least six feet of physical distance from others when in public, and avoiding people whodo not live with you.
3. Celebrating Christmas Safely
The safest way to celebrate the holidays this year, is to stay home and celebrate only with people who live in your household. The fewer people you and your household have in-person contact with, the lower your risk of getting COVID-19.
Please do not host or attend get-togethers or parties. The actions we take this week and next, will impact whether we see more or less cases of COVID-19 two weeks from now, and beyond. Let's keep everyone we can healthy until it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Only go out for work, exercise or for essential services. When you must leave your home, always wear a face covering and stay at least 6 feet away from people you do not live with at all times.
This year, considering checking out these virtual holiday celebrations:
Hot Chocolate Holiday Club – The Actors’ Gang invites you to join the Hot Chocolate Holiday Club, streaming online for free until January 15, 2021. Fill your favorite mug up and join the community of cheerful aficionados and their merry little band. Watch the Hot Chocolate Holiday Club on YouTube.
The Actors’ Gang holiday performances are provided free of charge thanks to support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Culver City and its Cultural Affairs Commission, and with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment and Culver City Arts Foundation.
Annual LA County Holiday Celebration – With a vibrant new format, the 61st Annual LA County Holiday Celebration is a holiday tradition that offers Angelenos of all ages the opportunity to experience and honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the County. Enjoy a diverse lineup of LA-based artists including many favorites and some exciting new performances! Watch the pre-recorded LA County Holiday Celebration online or tune your television to your PBS SoCal station on December 24, 2020 from 3 – 6 PM.
4. COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in Los Angeles County in a fair and transparent way. For the most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccine in LA County, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vaccine Information page. Review drop-down menus containing general information about the vaccine, its safety, its distribution, and data about doses given in LA County.
Fire Chief Ken Powell and Culver City Fire Department members received their first round of COVID-19 vaccine thanks to Southern California Hospital at Culver City.
Over time, as more vaccine is available it will be offered to everyone. This will likely take months. The COVID-19 Vaccine may not be widely available to the general public until Spring/Summer 2021.
Vaccine Scams – During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers have been using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about COVID-19. They sell things that don’t work, charge money for things that are free, and steal personal information. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is in Los Angeles County, scammers are targeting local residents with new, vaccine-related schemes. Please beware!
Vaccine Myths – The Department of Public Health recently released a myth busting information sheet for the COVID-19 vaccine. The document addresses the top 10 most circulated myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Myth #1: The vaccine was developed too fast – I don’t think they know enough about it.
The Facts: These vaccines could be made fast and still be safe for three simple reasons.
There was a lot of research done on the kind of virus that causes COVID-19 before this virus showed up. So scientists had a big head start about the kind of vaccine that would work best to fight this virus.
A lot of government money was spent to get many companies to work on this vaccine and to put all of their scientists to work on it around the clock. That helped speed everything up.
While every step that has to be followed to make a new vaccine and be sure it is safe was followed, some of the steps were done at the same time instead of one after another. It is like cooking several parts of a meal at once instead of cooking one course at a time. You get done sooner but it’s just as good.
The Los Angeles County Health Officer Order was recently modified to align with recent Supreme Court rulings for places of worship. Places of Worship are permitted to offer faith-based services, or otherwise allow access for faith-based practices, indoors and outdoors, provided that strict physical distancing is followed, which requires a minimum of six feet between persons from different households. Face coverings or masks that cover both the nose and mouth must be worn at all times while on site.
Public Health strongly recommends that places of worship continue to hold services outdoors, with physical distancing and the use of face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to congregants and to the entire community. Because Los Angeles County is experiencing an unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to congregants and to the entire community is critical.
6. Get CA Notify on Your Phone – California’s Contract Tracing Tool
Now more than ever, it is important that we all do our part to stop the surge in COVID-19 cases. Opt-in to receive notifications on your cell phone when you have come in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. California Notify does not gather your name, your contact information, your location, your movements or the identity of the people you meet. Visit the CA Notify website to learn more.
7. FREE COVID-19 Testing – Some Test Sites May Close or Have Modified Hours Over the Holidays
LA County Public Health and Department of Health Services remind you that the strategy of testing in order to gather is flawed. A person is negative only at the time they got tested - not the next day or the next day or the next day. By the time you get a negative test result, you may no longer be negative. Even if you have no symptoms, you can infect others. This virus spreads easily when folks are in close contact with others, not wearing face coverings, and not keeping their distance.
All county supported testing sites will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. For real time information on testing sites and availability, please visit the LA County COVID-19 testing information website.
Please be sure to get tested if:
You are having symptoms of COVID-19.
If you have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
If you think you were exposed because you were working, especially in essential services, in a place where you are frequently exposed to other people who may not be taking precautions.
If you share living spaces with other people who may be positive for COVID-19.
If you have been in a crowd or gathering where people were close together and not wearing face coverings and/or keeping their distance.
If you think you need a test, the County encourages you to call your doctor first. Testing is best done by a healthcare provider, so that they can monitor your care. If you do not have a doctor or are unable to contact them, dial 2-1-1 for a referral to a provider. Other private COVID-19 testing may be available. Find a community testing site near you with the California for ALL Testing Tool.
Please note: a COVID-19 test will not protect you and others around you from the virus. Even if you receive a negative result, you should practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, and wash your hands frequently. A negative COVID-19 test does not guarantee that you do not have the virus. With widespread community transmission, there is a daily risk of being infected with COVID-19.
If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to donate blood plasma to help those who are still sick. You can also support your community by donating blood – all blood types are needed. For more info and to locate a donation center, visit the State of California COVID-19 plasma webpage.
9. Food Resources
Culver City Emergency Food Drive
If you or one of your neighbors are in need of food, please call the Culver City CERT Assistance Call Center at (310) 253-5545.
The Culver City Emergency Food Drive continues to accept donations to help those in need in Culver City and now has an online donation option. With many neighbors in our community over the age of 65 and/or with underlying medical conditions and those neighbors who have lost their jobs, who don’t have the means to purchase and pickup groceries during the pandemic, we welcome your help! Let’s bridge that gap by being a neighbor that helps neighbors and donate non-perishable food items to those in need.
The requested non-perishable items are:
Rice, dried beans (pinto, black, lentil), pasta sauce, canned meat (Vienna sausages, spam, etc.), canned vegetables, canned fruit, rolled oats, low-sodium soups, freeze dried meats, fruits and vegetables, flour, chips and salsa, popcorn, honey, canned fruit juice, water.
Items that are most needed are canned vegetables and canned fruits, tuna, peanut butter and pasta.
Please drop off your non-perishable food items at any of the following locations or call the CERT Assistance Call Center at (310) 253-5545 to arrange a donation pick up from your doorstep by Bike Culver City.
Culver City Presbyterian Church 11269 Washington Blvd.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1 PM to 4 PM (enter through the courtyard)
Larsen Automotive 10707 Jefferson Blvd.
Hours : Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 4 PM
Petco 5347 Sepulveda Blvd.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Every day
Sorrento Italian Market 5518 Sepulveda Blvd.
Hours: Monday - Saturday 7 AM to 7 PM (Closed Tuesday) Sunday - 7 AM to 4 PM
For more information, call Ira Diamond, Organizer, at (213) 309-4084 or Christine Parra, Culver City Emergency Coordinator, at (310) 253-5909.
FeedCulver
Culver City is an amazing community, and it’s pulling together to help those who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. An example of this amazing community support and collaboration is FeedCulver. FeedCulver is a partnership between local restaurants, the Exchange Club, the Culver City Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association, working with Mayor Göran Eriksson, Council Member Thomas Small, and local non-profits to prepare and distribute nourishing and nutritious meals to those in need in the Culver City community – and they need your support to make it happen.
How does it work? Local restaurants, led by Akasha, create and package meals, which are delivered to volunteer organizations each day to be distributed through their programs.
Who does this serve? FeedCulver distributes around 100 free meals per day to those in need in the Culver City community through local partners. Additionally, this program helps keep local businesses open and their employees working.
What can I do? Make a donation—buy a meal for a neighbor in need! Click here to donate to FeedCulver. All donations will be managed by the Exchange Club and the money will be used to cover the cost of food and preparation. Or, prepare food—do you own a restaurant or catering business? Contact FeedCulver about getting involved. Please note, due to stringent health requirements FeedCulver is not able to engage with home cooks at this time.
LA County Food Resources
Los Angeles County is committed to preventing hunger and ensuring access to food for all residents. The County is currently mobilizing a Countywide response to hunger by coordinating public agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers to provide meals to anyone in need during the weeks and months to come. LA County residents can visit the County COVID-19 website's food portal to receive or provide support at this critical time. The LA County portal connects those in need to those who can help. The food-insecure can find meal and voucher programs. Community organizations can find out how to connect people to the goods that are most needed.
Great Plates Delivered
This program provides three free home-delivered meals a day from local restaurants to qualifying older adults and adults over 60 who are at high-risk of COVID-19. Great Plates Delivered not only helps LA County's most vulnerable residents, but helps get local restaurants, hospitality, and transportation industries back to work.
To be eligible for this program, individuals:
must meet age requirements
are 65 or older; OR are 60-64 and have been diagnosed with, exposed to or at high risk of COVID-19 as defined by the CDC
are unable to prepare or obtain meals
are not currently receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs such as CalFresh/SNAP
must live alone or with one other program-eligible adult
must earn between $25,520 to $74,940 (single household) or between $34,380 to $101,460 (two-person household) per year
must live in unincorporated LA County or a city that does not offer its own Great Plates Delivered program
LA County wants to remind you that CalFresh food assistance is available. Food assistance is needed more than ever to help individuals and households who have just lost jobs, businesses, homes and other financial resources, as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.
While LA County's Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offices remain closed, DPSS experts are still open for business and are ready to assist you.
11. Get Headspace for free, sponsored by the County of Los Angeles
We’re all going through the current crisis together. To help you weather this storm, Headspace and the LA County Department of Mental Health have partnered to provide support and resources during this challenging time. Sign up for Headspace to access meditations, as well as sleep and movement exercises, designed to help you care for your mind — all free through 2020. You can also scroll through to explore a special collection curated for LA. Because when we take care of ourselves, everyone shines. Headspace mindfulness and meditation exercises are meant to be a source of strength and comfort. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with the added stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health can provide additional support at any time. Call 800-854-7771 or visit the LA County Department of Mental Health Website.
Questions? Call the Culver City Hotline
If you or someone you know has a non-emergency, non-medical need or question related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and you would like assistance, please email the City or call the City’s Coronavirus Hotline at (310) 253-6890 (Monday through Friday, 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 or question. In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
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 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
