Get CA Notify on Your Phone – California’s Contract Tracing Tool
FREE COVID-19 Testing
LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Application is Under Development
Paycheck Protection Program Re-Opened with New Guidance
FOUND/LA Small Business Grants – Applications Due January 17
LA County Library’s Virtual Parent-Ade Series Supports Distance Learning
Critical Blood Shortage and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Shortage
Food Resources
You Are Not Alone
1. Your Bubble is Not as Safe as You Think
Every minute, on average, 10 people in LA County test positive for COVID-19, and these 15,000 individuals who test positive each day were capable of infecting others for two days before they had any symptoms or knew they were positive. At least 10-12% of people infected with the Coronavirus end up hospitalized at some point.
If you start to experience any symptoms or have a positive COVID-19 test, you must isolate yourself for at least 10 days since the symptoms started and you are fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine).
Stay home from work, school, and public areas.
Stay away from others at home.
Tell close contacts to self-quarantine for 10 days from the day they were exposed and monitor their health for the full 14 days.
Wear a face covering if you must be around others.
For help finding free delivery services, social services, essential items like food and medicines, visit the Public Health resources webpage or call 2-1-1. If you are unable to isolate safely, call (833) 540-0473.
Know the COVID-19 symptoms:
fever or chills
cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
fatigue
muscle or body aches
headache
new loss of taste or smell
sore throat
congestion or runny nose
nausea or vomiting
3. COVID -19 Vaccine Updates
Thousands of Californians on the front lines of fighting COVID-19 have already received the vaccine. As we progress through 2021, it will be available to everyone at no cost so that Californians can protect themselves and take a big step toward ending the pandemic. It is critical that Californians know the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. View this public service announcement from the California Department of Public Health.
Starting Monday, per the State’s direction, Public Health expanded the vaccination program to include all healthcare workers within Tiers 2 and 3 in Phase 1A of the LA County Vaccine Distribution Plan. More than 75 vaccination locations have been established to facilitate the administration of doses to individuals within these tiers. As of Monday, Public Health opened more than 20 designated vaccination centers for frontline healthcare workers in Phase 1A and has made arrangements with multiple pharmacies to facilitate vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers and others within Phase 1A.
Public Health, in collaboration with the LA County Fire Department, Internal Services Department and the Office of Emergency Management, is planning to open five large-capacity vaccination sites next week that will speed up vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers in Phase 1A. These five sites, in addition to Public Health’s private partner sites, will allow Public Health to complete 500,000 additional vaccinations among healthcare workers by the end of January.
Public Health’s current goal is to complete vaccinations of frontline healthcare workers and staff and residents at skilled nursing facilities by the end of January. As LA County completes Phase 1A of the Vaccine Distribution Plan, Public Health can look to starting vaccinations for groups within next phase – 1B, starting with those who are 65 and older as noted by the Governor today. Public Health is working with the State to identify additional vaccine doses so that Public Health can start to schedule appointments once the doses arrive.
Public Health will host a COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall on January 19, 2021 for residents to learn more details about the vaccine and Public Health’s program to immunize as many people as possible in the coming weeks and months. The town hall will be streamed live @lapublichealth on the following social media channels: Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube
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 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: Only 1% of people who get COVID-19 die of it. Won’t the vaccine kill more people than that?
The Facts: COVID-19 is a lethal disease. Seasonal flu can be very dangerous, but it kills about one person in every thousand infected, while COVID-19 kills one out of a hundred people who are infected. No one has died from the two approved vaccines.
Some people wonder if that could be just because volunteers who took part in vaccine trials were not tracked for long enough for us to know if there will be deaths. It’s true that we only have 3 months of experience watching people who got these vaccines, but we do have experience with other vaccines and the vast majority of ill effects show up within hours or days. There is no basis for believing we will see something different here.
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.
Culver City’s Case and Death Counts – as of January 12, 2021
Cases in Culver City – 1,601
Deaths in Culver City – 53
Cases in Los Angeles County – 14,564 new cases were reported today (958,497 cases to date)
Deaths in Los Angeles County – 281 new deaths were reported today (12,955 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 who do not live with you.
5. Workplace Outbreaks
The COVID-19 surge in Los Angeles County has contributed to a surge in outbreaks at workplaces across the county, including grocery stores, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and many other workplaces where people come together on a daily basis. In just over a month, outbreaks at these worksites increased from 9 per week on November 1, to 44 per week on December 6, nearly a fivefold increase.
LA County has also experienced an increase in outbreaks in schools and daycare settings. Starting in the middle of November, outbreaks increased from about 20 outbreaks to a total of 70 outbreaks by mid-December. And while almost all the outbreaks were small and well-contained, dozens of staff and a small number of students were affected.
These increases reflect a pattern of transmission: from worksite to home and back to worksites. As the percentage of people who are positive with COVID-19 increases, there is a larger pool of infected people walking around without symptoms who now expose a greater and greater percentage of people to this virus. There are currently 540 open outbreak investigations across LA County, the highest number Public Health has had. For a list of open investigations, visit the Los Angeles County Department of public health website.
Employees are reminded if you have concerns about your workplace following safety protocols that keep you and customers safe, you can anonymously call the Public Health customer call center at (888) 700-9995, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM – 5 PM. To report violations online, visit the Public Health website.
Employees are reminded to stay home if you begin to develop symptoms and call your medical provider. If you test positive and may have exposed others, please call Public Health’s contact tracing team (833) 641-0305 so Public Health can get in touch with those who may be exposed. If you are an employer, avoid the risk of having your business closed and take all the infection control measures Public Health has outlined on their website.
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.
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.
8. LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Application is Under Development
The new 2021 Rent Relief Applications are not yet available. Visit the 211 LA website to sign up for an email or text notification to know when the application becomes available.
9. Paycheck Protection Program Re-Opened with New Guidance
As part of the recently approved Federal Stimulus package, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has reopened for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. The second round of PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021.
10. FOUND/LA Small Business Grants – Applications Due January 17
Are you a brick & mortar small business in LA County with under 20 employees? Have you been negatively affected by COVID? Eligible small businesses can apply for up to $25,000 in grant support from FOUND/LA, a collaborative of community partners. Apply before the January 17, 2021 deadline.
11. LA County Library’s Virtual Parent-Ade Series Supports Distance Learning
LA County Library announces the return of its virtual program series, Parent-Ade: When Life Gives You Distance Learning, which launched in winter.
This virtual series of events takes place Wednesday afternoons, with the next session on January 20; programs are offered in English at 4 PM and in Spanish at 5 PM. Events are held on Webex, allowing presenters to interact with parents and caregivers, and address questions and concerns in real-time.
Each event and accompanying resources provide helpful tips on topics like how to use library resources to support distance learning; managing and tracking your child’s schoolwork; helping your child stay focused and on task; and how to support your student and help them support themselves during the pandemic-era.
For more information about Parent-Ade, including upcoming events and links to register, visit the LA County Library website.
12. Critical Blood Shortage and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Shortage
Are you fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis? If so, the plasma in your blood may contain COVID-19 antibodies that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as a possible treatment for currently ill COVID-19 patients, so your donation could help save the lives of patients battling this disease! It is a special gift only those who have recovered from the virus can give. For more information and to locate a donation center, visit the State of California COVID-19 plasma webpage.
There is a critical blood shortage. Please sign up to donate today:
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 Council Member Göran Eriksson, Former 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.
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).