Post-Surge Mitigation Strategies

It is important to plan for “post-surge” measures that can minimize COVID-19 risk after LA County’s winter surge has ended. “Post-surge” does not imply that the pandemic is over, that transmission is low, or that there will not be additional surges in the future that will require integrated public health measures. Rather, it acknowledges that we are stabilizing with consistent declines from the surge peak and realigns our current public health response to meet current mitigation needs. 

Public Health will consider LA County to be “post-surge” when COVID daily hospitalizations drop below 2,500 for 7 consecutive days.  Once LA County enters post surge, masking will no longer be required in outdoor spaces at outdoor Mega Events or in outdoor spaces at childcare facilities and K-12 schools. The masking requirement at indoor establishments will continue until:

1. LA County has two consecutive weeks at or below moderate transmission (10 - 49.99 new cases/100,000 persons in the past seven days), as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) OR
2. Vaccines have been available for children under age five for eight weeks; AND
3. There are no emerging reports of significantly circulating new variants of concern that threaten vaccine effectiveness.

Given the effectiveness of the vaccines, we are relieved to see incremental increases in vaccine coverage levels. To better protect against COVID-19, we need to: 

1. Increase vaccination rates across all younger age groups, particularly for 5- to 11-year-olds where only 32% have received at least 1 dose of the vaccine.
2. Encourage people to get a booster dose. Everyone 12 years of age and older without a contraindication is eligible for a booster, but as of January 30th only 37% had received an additional or booster dose.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are recommended for everyone ages 5 and older to help protect against COVID-19. Public Health encourages all LA County residents to get vaccinated and boosted when eligible. To find a vaccination site near you, click here.

Visit the LA County Dashboard and the TK-12 School and Youth Programs COVID-19 DATA Dashboard for additional information on vaccination rates, along with testing and outbreaks in school settings.

An important strategy for limiting COVID-19 transmission has been ensuring that schools have capacity to continue routine and/or response testing. 

The ability to identify those who are asymptomatic and positive has led to fewer disruptions at schools. For three weeks in a row, the test positivity rate for schools has declined. Between January 24 and January 28, over 486,000 tests were administered, with a test positivity rate of 4.4%, a decline of approximately 70% since the beginning of January, when test positivity was 14%. 

Safety measures that schools have implemented, along with slowing community transmission, have likely contributed to these declines and continued use of these measures can help to keep schools safe and open.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for youth, click here. 

LA County Department of Public Health wants everyone to have a great time and celebrate the achievements of both respective teams, while doing everything possible to protect ourselves and those around us from COVD-19. Please utilize these tips to make your Super Bowl Party safe.

1. Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
2. Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.  
3. If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and are ages 2 or older, you should wear a mask indoors in public.
4. In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, people might choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with other people, particularly if:
   • You or someone you live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.
   • You are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines or live with someone who is not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
5. Testing before a gathering can give you information about your risk of spreading COVID-19.
   • Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who do not live in your household.
   • Stay home if you test positive, even if you do not have symptoms.
6. Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
7. Communicate with the people you will meet with about prevention strategies.

Register Now to Be a Parent Ambassador

The LA County Department of Public Health Parent Ambassador Program has upcoming presentations to answer your questions about COVID-19 and vaccines. A gift stipend and certificate is included.

Presentation dates:

1. English: Tuesday, February 15, 4:30-6pm
2. Spanish: Tuesday, February 22, 4:30-6pm
3. Armenian: Tuesday, March 1, 4:30-6pm

Register here.

Register Now to Be a Student Ambassador

The Student Ambassador workshop trains students to be leaders in their community to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The students will participate in activities, small group discussion, and other interactive opportunities designed to inform them about proven COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Presentation dates:

1. Thursday, February 17, 2022, 4-5pm
2. Thursday, March 17, 2022, 4-5pm

Register here.

Need a COVID-19 Vaccination Presentation?

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers an array of presentations, including the Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines.

If you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization, click here.

Soul Food for Your Baby Focus Group

Soul Food for Your Baby is excited to announce that they will be hosting community focus groups to learn more about current attitudes toward breastfeeding. They are looking for 50 pregnant African American women to participate in our focus groups and join the conversation! Focus group sessions will be starting on February 16, 2022 and will require a 1.5-hour time commitment. Selected participants will receive a $20 gift card for their time.

Interested participants will choose 1 session from the following dates and times:

February 16, 2022 @ 6:00 PM

February 23, 2022 @ 1:30 PM

March 3, 2022 @ 3:00 PM

March 7, 2022 @ 6:00 PM

Eligibility requirements:

1. LA County resident
2. Identify as Black / African American
3. 18 or older
4. Pregnant

Click here to register.

SoCal Gas Assistance Fund

SoCalGas is partnering with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to offer a one-time grant to customers in need. Qualifying applicants may receive a single, $100 grant for their bill. These grants will be administered through local non-profits located in your service area. Customers must meet specific criteria to qualify, and funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

To find out more information, click here.   

Edison Energy Assistance Fund (EAF)

Need a little extra help this month? The Energy Assistance Fund provides up to $300 to eligible customers once a year.

You can participate by applying for assistance or make a donation here. For other programs, click here.