Rosa Citraro

The following report is a high level summary of the L.A. County Emergency Operation Center's COVID-19 disaster response. Please share this information with your family, fellow residents, municipal, state & community partners.

Click Here to view Incident Update

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis today joined Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Fairplex President/CEO Miguel Santana, Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, and LA County Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer to announce that LA County has entered into an agreement with Fairplex to use the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel as temporary housing for individuals who may have been ordered to isolate or quarantine by the Department of Public Health due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Our overwhelmed health care system will not be able to admit every person with mild symptoms of COVID-19. As we contain the spread of this virus, we need quarantine sites where people can receive care and heal,” Supervisor Solis said. “The Fairplex and the Sheraton have responded to this emergency with courage and compassion by providing LA County residents who may have been exposed to COVID-19 a safe space where they can recuperate and recover. This partnership is an example of state, county, and local leaders coming together to keep our communities safe and healthy. LA County stands in solidarity with the Fairplex as we work together to limit the rate of infection.”

The Sheraton Fairplex, a 244-room hotel, is located on the Pomona campus of Fairplex, home of the Los Angeles County Fair. Fairplex owns the hotel; Marriott International manages it as the owner of the Sheraton Hotel chain. The agreement calls for the hotel to be used by the County from March 23 to May 31, with the potential for a four-week extension. This is a part of a larger effort under way to seek out supportive housing facilities throughout the County. The Sheraton Fairplex is the first in the County to have the entire hotel contracted out to the County for COVID-19 assistance.

Santana said this may be the most important community service role Fairplex has played in its 98-year history.

“Fairplex is offering its unwavering support to Los Angeles County for its plan to provide regional accommodations for individuals who must be separated from their loved ones who have been medically directed to self-isolate,” Santana said. “While this is just one element of a much broader effort at all levels of our community to help slow the spread of COVID-19, it goes to the core of what Fairplex is all about: supporting, even preserving community. And never is this more important than when the threat is greatest and we all feel challenged to think of our own needs first. Stepping outside that perspective and focusing on the broader benefit is what it means to be a community, and I’m proud of the role we will play.”

Mayor Sandoval agreed with Santana.

“This is about helping our neighbors, our families, our community. This is what Pomona does, this is what we’ve always done,” Sandoval said. “Pomona is a city with compassion.”

In addition, the Fairplex Child Development Center will open its doors to the children of health care workers and first responders. Hospital personnel and law enforcement will be provided with childcare. Fairplex is currently working with Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center to assist its staff.

President and CEO of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Richard Yochum said this service will be an "immense help."

“Many of our dedicated hospital associates are being pulled in competing directions – protecting public health and arranging childcare for their children who are home from school, so that they can care for our community. Childcare near the hospital will alleviate a tremendous strain on them,” Yochum said. “And having the hotel beds available for medically quarantined individuals will free up hospital capacity for our most critically ill – cancer, heart, stroke and trauma patients – as well as those who may become seriously ill from COVID-19.”

Today's action is part of LA County's commitment to comply with the County Department of Public Health’s guidelines to minimize the risk of transmission. While hotel rooms will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, the Office of Emergency Management said it will assist in housing individuals who have been medically quarantined in close proximity to their home, making the Sheraton Fairplex an option for eastern San Gabriel Valley residents facing isolation over COVID-19 concerns.

“Our County is committed to supporting our residents during this pandemic. Our mission is aligned with the County’s commitment to provide service to the most vulnerable in a caring and supportive way. A clear example of this is the supportive housing solution we’ve developed by leveraging important partnerships - like today’s agreement with the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel,” said Kevin McGowan, the director of LA County's Office of Emergency Management. “We must show compassionate care, reject the urge to focus only on ourselves, and provide for those that have been impacted by this virus. We urge others in the business community to step forward and work with the County on similar temporary housing solutions across the region.”

This partnership comes a day after Safer at Home Orders were issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom, LA County, and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti. The County's order called for retail stores not considered essential to close. This includes malls and shopping centers. Both the County and City orders went into effect at early morning March 20 and will last through April 19. The County order bans gatherings of 10 or more people, with few exceptions.

“I want to thank the Fairplex and the Sheraton for stepping up and helping us in our efforts to mitigate this virus,” said Supervisor Barger. “The proposed quarantine site will help keep our communities safe as we continue to increase our efforts to practice social distancing.”

Public health officials will determine who will be referred to the Fairplex for quarantine.

“Social distancing remains the best and most effective tool to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “As every County department is responding to this pandemic, it is encouraging to see local partners such as the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel step up to do what they can to protect residents. This effort will likely take several months, so every single one of us must remember that we are all in this together and we must all do our part.”

Today’s announcement is a collaboration between state, county and local officials, along with the Marriott.

“Marriott International is working directly with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of Emergency Services to make some of our properties available to support California’s efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19,” said Allison Sitch, vice president of public relations for Marriott International. “We recognize these are unprecedented times that require different actions and solutions. We intend on cooperating with the Governor on the state’s response.”

Santana acknowledged that there will be some push back on the decision.

“Sadly, some may criticize the plan as inappropriate for our neighborhood. Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, it is representative of all that is good about our community,” he added.

Fairplex also is working with the nonprofit La Verne-based food bank Sowing Seeds for Life to operate a drive-thru food pantry in the Fairplex parking lot off Gate 15 on the La Verne side of the campus. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month starting April 1. ID will be required. The pantry will be available to all residents of LA County.

Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo today announced her recommendation to extend closure of all public schools until Tuesday, May 5, 2020 to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Superintendent Duardo’s action follows new public health orders issued March 19 by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles County officials instructing people to stay at home and prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.

The decision was made today in consultation with school district superintendents from across Los Angeles County and with State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

“In the interest of public safety and the health of our children and most vulnerable community members, we are asking our 80 school districts to remain closed with students returning on May 5,” Duardo said. “School closures will help prevent transmission of the coronavirus, which is everyone’s goal today. I commend our school district leaders and their staff, students and families for all that they are doing to ensure that learning continues and that vital nutrition and meal services are provided.”

During this time, only school and district personnel who perform essential functions such as feeding children, providing childcare or ensuring business continuity are required to come to work using Los Angeles County’s guidelines outlined in its “Safer at Home” Public Health Order. The Governor has made it clear that during these closures for this public emergency, all school district personnel will be paid.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) recognizes the potential for schools to stay closed for the remainder of the academic year and will provide regular updates as the situation evolves. Extending a school closure is a local decision that will be made by each individual school district. When schools reopen, LACOE will provide guidance regarding required school maintenance and best ways to support staff, students and families with their return.

Schools operated by LACOE will likewise remain closed with students returning on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. They include the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, International Polytechnic High School, county community schools and Juvenile Court Schools located at the juvenile halls and camps.

Over the past two weeks, LACOE and school districts across the county have rapidly adapted to the emergency to provide remote learning, “grab-and-go" meal distribution, childcare during the school day and telecommuting. Above all, LACOE continues to recommend that everyone practices prevention and hygiene protocols, including:

• If you are sick or mildly sick for any reason, stay home. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen.
• Symptoms to watch for include a fever over 100 degrees; respiratory illness such as cough or difficulty breathing.
• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay 6 feet or more away from strangers and those who are ill.
• Stop shaking hands with others to reduce the spread of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve; safely throw away used tissues.

To prevent further spread of COVID-19, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, held a press conference to announce the “Safer at Home” public health order, signed by L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis to take effect today.

Barger was joined by L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, who both have health departments in their cities.

Under the “Safer at Home” guidelines, L.A. County has directed residents to refrain from gathering in an enclosed space with more than 10 people. First responders and those in healthcare, government, food services, and other essential industries will still be on the job. The order directs businesses deemed nonessential, such as retail stores and malls, to close temporarily.

“This is the next step in protecting our communities from the coronavirus and will have invaluable long-term effects,” Supervisor Barger said. “This order will increase social distancing while still enabling residents to shop for essential items at the market, pharmacy, and hardware store, and still be able to visit the bank or gas station.”

Barger encouraged L.A. County residents to find ways to give back, including supporting local businesses, checking in on their elderly neighbors, donating funds to local nonprofits, assembling hygiene kits for those in need, or giving blood.

“We know this will have an impact on the social fabric of L.A. County,” Supervisor Barger said. “We still encourage people to stay connected to their community and their loved ones in creative ways and to spend much-needed time outdoors. Being Safer at Home doesn’t mean being alone—you are still an important part of your community.”

See the Health Order here.

The following report is a high level summary of the L.A. County Emergency Operation Center's COVID-19 disaster response. Please share this information with your family, fellow residents, municipal, state & community partners.

Click Here to view Incident Update

LA County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Hilda L. Solis join the LA County Departments of Public Health, Health Services, Office of Emergency Management and Office of Education to provide an update on new developments regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response and answer questions from the press.

March 18, 2020

The Department of Public Social Services is aware of the financial impact that the Coronavirus is having on the health and financial well-being of County of Los Angeles residents, leaving thousands unemployed or underemployed.  The department has provided the below resources to help residents who may be experiencing financial challenges due to the pandemic:

IF YOU HAVE HAD YOUR HOURS CUT, BEEN FURLOUGHED, OR LAID OFF:

If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file for unemployment insurance. If you are expecting to return to your job after the dust settles, you do not have to be actively seeking new work during the outbreak. But you must be "able and available to work" to get these benefits, which generally range from $40-$450 per week for up to six months.

https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SICK WITH THE CORONAVIRUS OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED:

Individuals who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim.

Disability Insurance provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 - $1,300 a week.

https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm/t_blank?fbclid=IwAR37UBdHJK4O3IRzK9Ff_sY1xdK7LuD1QKeb60xPK_-DC6cvtmF6Ejxbtxw

IF YOU ARE CARING FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS SICK:

Californians who are unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.

Paid Family Leave provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.

https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm/t_blank?fbclid=IwAR1h6aChB9g-qjbT5S2SGOeOfJQtjbj-BqlJsUEYmloPvtHDWeCVhEIsyN8

Please follow DPSS on Facebook @LACoDPSS, Twitter @LACo_DPSS and Instagram @laco_dpss for more information and updates.