Los Angeles County Aligns with State Health Officer Order

Dear Friends –

This past Monday, the State of California lifted the Regional Stay at Home Order for Southern California, which was based on projections of ICU bed capacity four weeks from now. I am pleased with this announcement, which reflects the hard work of Angelenos these past months to stay home and save lives. We have seen decreases in the number of cases and hospitalizations in Los Angeles County, and that is attributed to our collective sacrifices.

However, we cannot let our guard down again. We've seen what it means when that happens, when we visit with others in their homes, attend large gatherings, and run errands like we did pre-pandemic. That cannot happen again. We must continue to meet the moment and defeat this virus as soon as possible. Masks, physical distancing, and limiting activities are still key to getting out of this pandemic until we can get everyone vaccinated.

But I want to underscore the tremendous hardships our local businesses – the engine of our economy – have endured these last months. There are people behind the cash registers; they are cooks and food servers at restaurants, and small business owners. I am glad that many of our residents can return to work. But the situation can change overnight. Like we’ve seen before, more restrictions may be needed if noncompliance leads to more transmission and more hospitalizations. I urge both customers and businesses to please adhere to safety protocols for the sake of employees.

With the vaccine getting into the arms of residents, I hope that we will beat this virus before any new variant takes hold, but we will be vigilant and always do what is best for our residents. 

Sincerely,

Chair Hilda L. Solis

Supervisor, First District

Ensuring Equitable Access to COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

I recently met a 67-year-old man who received his first dose of the vaccine at LAC+USC Medical Center, and during my conversation with him, he shared that it took him three buses to get to the campus – and was not looking forward to taking three buses back home.

The County has a responsibility to partner with transportation authorities and companies to ensure community members, particularly those 65 and older, can access our vaccination sites with ease. To that end, I was proud to introduce a motion during the Board of Supervisors meeting this past Tuesday, directing the County’s Emergency Operations Center to partner, coordinate, and execute necessary agreements with municipal and regional transit operators, authorities and companies, and evaluate where possible, re-routing the County’s own transit services to provide direct access to County vaccine sites. Furthermore, the Metro Board of Directors approved my amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY21) Mid-Year Budget yesterday, directing Metro’s Chief Executive Officer to collaborate with the County and transit providers such as Metrolink and Foothill Transit to identify funding and develop strategies to ensure that all residents in the County have access to transportation to reach vaccination sites.

With a county this size, offering transportation options to receive a dose of hope is integral – it is a matter of equity.

Appointments Required to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

In order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, an appointment is required. For those with internet access, please visit VaccinateLACounty.com to schedule an appointment. Residents without internet access can call (833) 540-0473 for assistance.

Thank you for your patience and persistence. 

Second Dose Appointments

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is beginning to send emails to those who recently got vaccinated at a County site, confirming the place and date of their second dose appointment. All residents need to do is confirm the time that works for them via the registration link in the email. Most will receive their second dose at the same site as their first dose.

Exceptions for those vaccinated at sites that have now closed:

• First dose at Ritchie Valens —-> Second dose at Balboa
• First dose at Hazard/Belvedere —-> Second dose at El Sereno

Please try to keep your appointments for the second dose. If you need to reschedule due to an emergency, you will be provided with an email address to contact the Department of Public Health.

For those individuals who were vaccinated at the dozens of other sites across the county, including Dodger Stadium, pharmacies, health centers, and city clinics, please contact the provider or site where you were vaccinated to receive information confirming your second dose appointment.

Come Prepared to Your Vaccination Appointment

Come prepared to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Please make sure to bring proof of:

• Appointment Date and Time
• Age
• Los Angeles County Address
• Credentials (if you’re a healthcare worker)

For a complete list, visit: VaccinateLACounty.com.

Don't be Fooled – Beware of Vaccine Scams

During the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about the pandemic. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in Los Angeles County, scammers are targeting local residents with new, vaccine-related schemes. 

Here are the facts: 

• The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in a fair and transparent way. 
• The COVID-19 vaccine will be given to Los Angeles County residents at no cost and regardless of immigration status. 

To learn more, visit: covid19.lacounty.gov.