A Letter from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Dear Friends,
LA County remains in the CDC-designated High Community Level this week with the rate of new COVID hospital admissions increasing to 11.4 admissions per 100,000 people. High transmission has been fueled by increased circulation of BA.5, a sub-variant that is associated with high rates of reinfections. To that end, if we remain at this level for one more week, universal indoor masking will be implemented on July 29 to help slow the rate of transmission and protect the most vulnerable.
I know for many this may feel like a frustrating step backwards, and I too wish that this pandemic was already over. But it’s important to note that in just half the year that’s passed, we have lost over 4,400 residents to COVID-19 – that’s more than the annual deaths from the flu, drug overdose, and motor vehicle accidents combined. And during periods of surge, which we find ourselves in now, our communities of color, our elderly residents, and low-income communities experience significant disparities that cannot be ignored. By taking collective action by the simple act of putting on a mask, we can bring our case rates down, protect those most vulnerable, and avoid preventable loss of life.
Masks that offer beneficial protection provide both good filtration AND a good fit or seal around the edges. Well-fitting respirator-type masks such as N95s, KN95s, and KN94s offer the most protection because they are made with thicker materials that do the best job filtering out the virus.
Data has repeatedly shown that masking is a valuable layer of protection, and I am grateful to everyone who is and will be doing their part to help slow the spread of transmission.
We know that when we work together we can get through tough periods – I ask that we do so once more.
Sincerely,
Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
 This week, the LA County Department of Public health expanded their eligibility to receive the Monkeypox vaccine and is now available to gay or bisexual men and transgender people who:
- Were diagnosed with gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past 12 months
- Are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP
- Attended or worked at a commercial sex venue or event where they engaged in anonymous sex or had sex with multiple partners (e.g., saunas, bathhouses, sex clubs, sex party) within the past 3 weeks.
If you meet the eligibility, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Due to the limited number of vaccines, the pre-registration link for monkeypox vaccine has reached capacity and is currently paused. However, those already registered will receive a text message from Public Health inviting them to be vaccinated over the next 1-2 days. Please do not call or show up at monkeypox vaccination clinics or public walk-up sites without a personal text message invitation from Public Health as this is required proof of verification
 I am proud to have joined Speaker Anthony Rendon, AIDS Project Los Angeles Health, Equality California, and the National Union of Healthcare Workers at Out Here Sexual Health Center for a press conference requesting additional federal assistance, including vaccine supplies, to combat the monkeypox outbreak in LA County.
Additionally, I will be introducing a motion to officially request additional doses to meet the needs of those most vulnerable. Additional supplies will allow us to expand eligibility to keep more residents safe and allow more residents to register to get vaccinated. But while we await further allocations, we can act now to help slow the spread. I encourage everyone who may be at risk for monkeypox to visit our County’s monkeypox website to access good information on how to get vaccinated and prevent spreading the virus further. We’ve seen through the COVID-19 pandemic just how much of an impact we can make working together, and I know we can do the same to address monkeypox as well.
 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services has received several reports of EBT Benefits thefts. The County of Los Angeles or the State of California will never text or call you requesting your personal information. If you receive a call, text message, or email in regards to your EBT benefits, DO NOT provide your personal information, social security number, card number and/or PIN. If you believe your benefits were removed from your account and you did not use your EBT card and PIN to withdraw the cash, call customer service right away at (877) 328-9677.
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