For the week ending March 19, BA.2 accounted for 47% of sequenced specimens. One month prior, the week ending February 19, BA.2 accounted for only 5% of specimens sequenced. The increase in LA County mirrors what is happening nationally and internationally. Worldwide, BA.2 accounts for the vast majority of sequenced cases, and in the U.S., the CDC estimates that as of April 2, BA.2, accounted for 72% of sequenced specimens in the preceding week.
2. Second Boosters are Now Available for LA County Residents 50+
Second boosters are now available at LA County vaccination clinics to residents 50+, and immunocompromised individuals, who were boosted at least 4 months ago. Vaccines and boosters are the best tools to help prevent hospitalization and death. If you or someone you know needs assistance with getting to an appointment or needs homebound service, call (833) 540-0473.
Currently, there about 2.6 million booster-dose eligible residents in LA County not benefiting from the extra protection of a booster dose and 1.7 million eligible residents still needing to get their first vaccination.
The vaccines remain highly effective at slowing COVID-19 spread and preventing severe illness. County residents who were unvaccinated were two times more likely to be infected when compared to individuals who were fully vaccinated and boosted.
The vaccines also continue to provide very strong protection against hospitalization and death. Unvaccinated people were three times more likely to be hospitalized compared to fully vaccinated residents and six times more likely to be hospitalized than those fully vaccinated and boosted. And the likelihood of dying was also significantly higher – 11 times higher – for unvaccinated residents compared to residents who were fully vaccinated.
To help close the gaps in vaccination coverage, Public Health is increasing access to the vaccines through mobile vaccination clinics and expanding vaccination services to homebound residents, a critical service to assist the County’s most vulnerable residents who are unable to travel to a clinic or pharmacy. For assistance obtaining homebound services, residents or their caregivers can call the Public Health Vaccine Call Center at (833) 540-0473 between 8 AM and 8:30 PM seven days a week to schedule an appointment and for more information on COVID-19 vaccines. Residents can also visit the “How to Get Vaccinated” section at the Vaccinate LA County website for more information.
3. LA County Expands “Test to Treat” Program
Because the efficacy of therapeutics requires rapid access to starting treatment, Public Health is expanding access to therapeutics across LA County by launching Public Health “Test to Treat” Tele-health Services and adding additional Test to Treat locations.
Two oral COVID-19 oral therapeutics (i.e., Paxlovid and Molnupiravir) available in LA County have been found effective against Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2. These therapeutics are for use in children and adults who weigh at least 88 pounds, test positive for COVID-19, have mild to moderate symptoms, and are at high risk for progressing to severe disease. These two therapeutics must be started within five days of a patient experiencing symptoms.
Residents currently have the option of accessing these medications by going to one of 58 Test to Treat sites in the county, one of the 26 DHS-Fulgent Testing sites, or one of three Public Health vaccination sites. Residents can find current Test to Treat locations in LA County on the LA County Department of Public Health website.
Beginning this week, residents having difficulty accessing medications or a Test to Treat location have several additional options. Individuals can contact the Public Health Call Center seven days a week from 8 AM – 8:30 PM at (833) 540-0473. Call center staff will answer questions and connect patients to services as needed. Telehealth services are available seven days a week to screen patients for eligibility and determine which medication, if any, would be appropriate for the patients. Medications are then shipped to the patient’s home overnight or the patient is referred to a nearby Test to Treat site to ensure timely access.
5. Culver City 40th Supplement to Public Order (March 16, 2022)
On March 16, 2022, the City of Culver City issued the Fortieth Supplement to Public Order. The supplement rescinds the vaccination requirements of the Thirty-Eighth Supplement and requires a well-fitted mask for all persons present at in-person City Council, Commission, Board and Committee meetings. The order was confirmed by the City Council on April 11, 2022.
If you have insurance, start by contacting your doctor's office, clinic or your local pharmacy. If you need help finding a doctor, call 2-1-1 or visit 211LA
If your employer or school requires a test, go through your job or educational facility.
At home. Home collection kits and self-test kits are available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). For home collection kits, you collect the sample at home and then send it to a lab or test site for processing. For self-test kits, you collect the sample and do the test yourself. Visit the LA County Home Test Collection website or the Pick Up Testing Kit Program website to learn more.
Beware of fake COVID-19 pop-up sites and fake COVID-19 at-home tests. COVID-19 pop-up sites should not ask for personal information such as your bank information or social security number. If you believe you have visited a fake COVID-19 pop-up site or purchased a fake COVID-19 at-home test, call (800) 593-8222 or learn what to do online. Visit LA County’s COVID-19 scams and fraud page for more information.
7. Wear a Mask to Protect Yourself and Those Around You
Masks are still required in some settings and strongly recommended in others. Protect yourself and your family by following all state and local guidelines. Wear a mask when required (like on public transit and in hospitals) and when strongly recommended (like in indoor public places) - regardless of your vaccination status. As noted above, the Fortieth Supplement requires a well-fitted mask for all persons present at in-person City Council, Commission, Board and Committee meetings in Culver City.
Need a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record? Visit the State of California’s Digital Vaccine Record Portal and enter your name, date of birth, and phone/e-mail associated with your vaccine record. It's safe, convenient & free!
9. COVID-19 Counts in Culver City and LA County
The City of Culver City mourns the loss ofresidents who have passed awaydue to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Case and Death Counts – as of April 12, 2022
Cases in Culver City – 7,407
Deaths in Culver City – 134
Cases in LA County – 795 new cases were reported yesterday (2,847,097 cases to date)
Deaths in LA County – 13 new deaths were reported yesterday (31,819 deaths to date)
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 at (310) 253-6000 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, the City is closed every other Friday). COVID-19 related questions should be directed to (310) 253-6000. If you email or leave a message after hours, please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and your need or question. In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.