latimes--2020-04-14--L.A. County moves to protect delivery workers, limit number of customers in stores

Los Angeles County leaders on Tuesday passed new rules aimed at protecting the health of food delivery workers , who are playing a key role in getting meals and groceries to housebound residents .
Companies such as Instacart , Doordash and Shipt are targeted by an ordinance authored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and passed by the board on Tuesday .
The ordinance requires food delivery platforms to provide access to face coverings and gloves or hand sanitizer to workers , either by supplying workers directly or by making sufficient funds available to workers to purchase this personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide a “ no contact ” option , so that workers can make deliveries without being physically close to customers .
Grocery and pharmacy stores will be required to allow delivery workers to use their restrooms to wash their hands .
Grocery delivery services are in high demand as people avoid visiting stores for fear of contracting or spreading the coronavirus .
Many most vulnerable to the coronavirus , including those 60 years and older or those with underlying health conditions , have begun to rely heavily on food delivery workers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential household goods .
Independent contractors for start-up Instacart and Target-owned grocery delivery app Shipt in recent weeks have protested what they see as a lack of safety protections and pay commensurate with the risk they are taking by operating during the pandemic .
“ These businesses , along with retail grocery stores and retail drugstores , must provide their workers with the necessary supplies , tools , equipment and safety practices to protect the workers and the public they are serving , ” the ordinance reads .
Kelly Caruso , Shipt ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blog post last week that the company will provide workers with gloves and masks “ through pickup at their local Target store in the coming weeks.
” But some Shipt workers said shortly afterward that they weren ’ t notified and worked to procure protective equipment through their own means .
Since March 30 , a group of Instacart workers across the country have been on strike , calling on the company to provide hand sanitizer , disinfectant wipes and hazard pay , as well as additional protections for workers with preexisting health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness .
The protest hasn ’ t hurt the company ’ s business , with Instacart seeing record orders in the last few weeks , the company has said .
In the first few days of the strike , the company agreed to provide sanitizer , masks and gloves free of charge .
Previously the company did not provide any safety equipment .
“ Delivery platforms have gone largely unregulated .
This ordinance does not create a comprehensive regulatory framework , but it seeks to address urgent issues .
We want workers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supported , ” Ridley-Thomas said .
The ordinance expands health and safety standards for retail workers employed by grocery stores and pharmacies , mandating the erection of plexiglass barriers at registers where customers and employees might come into close contact and the cleaning of baskets and shopping carts between use .
Grocery and pharmacy stores that don ’ t comply run the risk of violating and losing their public health permits , Ridley-Thomas said ; businesses that operate without a permit could be charged with a misdemeanor .
For food delivery platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same regulations , the county department of public health will launch investigations into any compliance issues brought to its attention , Ridley-Thomas said .
Ridley-Thomas ’ order follows one issued last week by Los Angeles county that requires businesses still operating to limit the number of people that can enter a facility at one time .
The county ordered essential businesses to enact social distancing protocols , so people can easily maintain a six-foot physical distance from one another at all times .
The county also required businesses to post in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that includes disinfecting surfaces , offering hand sanitizer to employees and keeping bathrooms open — and to give a copy of the measures to employees .
The order also requires essential businesses in the county to provide cloth face coverings to employees and contracted workers whose duties require close contact with other workers and/or the public , according to the order .
Both Ridley-Thomas ’ order and the new county order go into effect Wednesday .
Unions representing grocery workers praised the new county guidelines .
UFCW Local 770 represents more than 20,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties .
“ UFCW members serve as frontline workers in grocery and drug stores throughout Los Angeles County .
They are putting their health and safety on the line during this pandemic , ” said John Grant , president of the union branch .
“ The requirements to provide PPE and regular hand washing , among other measures , will promote public safety and health throughout Los Angeles County and flatten the curve of the pandemic.
” Stuart Waldman , president of the Valley Industry & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses in Southern California , said a major problem for his members is obtaining sanitizer , gloves and masks .
A hospital has even called him , seeking hand sanitizer , Waldman said .
“ Everyone wants protections , and no one wants to put their employees at risk , but where do we get it ?
It ’ s impossible to find , ” Waldman said .

Whole Foods cashier Jason Ellsworth rings up groceries as Instacart shopper Kara Pete double-checks items ordered by a customer.
Los Angeles County leaders on Tuesday passed new rules aimed at protecting the health of food delivery workers, who are playing a key role in getting meals and groceries to housebound residents.
Companies such as Instacart, Doordash and Shipt are targeted by an ordinance authored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and passed by the board on Tuesday.
The ordinance requires food delivery platforms to provide access to face coverings and gloves or hand sanitizer to workers, either by supplying workers directly or by making sufficient funds available to workers to purchase this personal protective equipment.
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Companies are also required to provide a “no contact” option, so that workers can make deliveries without being physically close to customers. Grocery and pharmacy stores will be required to allow delivery workers to use their restrooms to wash their hands.
Grocery delivery services are in high demand as people avoid visiting stores for fear of contracting or spreading the coronavirus. Many most vulnerable to the coronavirus, including those 60 years and older or those with underlying health conditions, have begun to rely heavily on food delivery workers to get their groceries, toiletries and other essential household goods.
Independent contractors for start-up Instacart and Target-owned grocery delivery app Shipt in recent weeks have protested what they see as a lack of safety protections and pay commensurate with the risk they are taking by operating during the pandemic.
“These businesses, along with retail grocery stores and retail drugstores, must provide their workers with the necessary supplies, tools, equipment and safety practices to protect the workers and the public they are serving,” the ordinance reads.
Kelly Caruso, Shipt’s chief executive, said in a blog post last week that the company will provide workers with gloves and masks “through pickup at their local Target store in the coming weeks.” But some Shipt workers said shortly afterward that they weren’t notified and worked to procure protective equipment through their own means.
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Since March 30, a group of Instacart workers across the country have been on strike, calling on the company to provide hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and hazard pay, as well as additional protections for workers with preexisting health conditions who might be more vulnerable to illness. The protest hasn’t hurt the company’s business, with Instacart seeing record orders in the last few weeks, the company has said.
In the first few days of the strike, the company agreed to provide sanitizer, masks and gloves free of charge. Previously the company did not provide any safety equipment.
“Delivery platforms have gone largely unregulated. This ordinance does not create a comprehensive regulatory framework, but it seeks to address urgent issues. We want workers in that sector to feel acknowledged, safe and supported,” Ridley-Thomas said.
The ordinance expands health and safety standards for retail workers employed by grocery stores and pharmacies, mandating the erection of plexiglass barriers at registers where customers and employees might come into close contact and the cleaning of baskets and shopping carts between use.
Grocery and pharmacy stores that don’t comply run the risk of violating and losing their public health permits, Ridley-Thomas said; businesses that operate without a permit could be charged with a misdemeanor. For food delivery platforms, which aren’t subject to the same regulations, the county department of public health will launch investigations into any compliance issues brought to its attention, Ridley-Thomas said.
Ridley-Thomas’ order follows one issued last week by Los Angeles county that requires businesses still operating to limit the number of people that can enter a facility at one time.
The county ordered essential businesses to enact social distancing protocols, so people can easily maintain a six-foot physical distance from one another at all times. The county also required businesses to post in their facilities protocol guidelines — a to-do list that includes disinfecting surfaces, offering hand sanitizer to employees and keeping bathrooms open — and to give a copy of the measures to employees.
The order also requires essential businesses in the county to provide cloth face coverings to employees and contracted workers whose duties require close contact with other workers and/or the public, according to the order.
Both Ridley-Thomas’ order and the new county order go into effect Wednesday.
Unions representing grocery workers praised the new county guidelines. UFCW Local 770 represents more than 20,000 grocery workers in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
1 / 83 Socially distanced bikers and walkers, against a backdrop of the Queen Mary, make their way along pedestrian and beach bike path on the first day that Long Beach reopened the path on Monday May 11, 2020. The city of Long Beach eased a few of its public health restrictions, allowing under certain guidelines the reopening of pedestrian and beach bike paths, tennis centers and courts. Beach bathrooms are also reopening, but the parking lots and beaches still remain closed. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 83 Traffic remains light on the southbound 110 Freeway headed toward downtown Los Angeles on April 28. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 83 Dominique Barrett, center, known as “King Vader” to his 2.4 million TikTok followers, prepares to shoot a video on April 30 in Glendora. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 83 Cody Purcell of Redondo Beach rides a wave, glowing from the bioluminescence, in Hermosa Beach, CA, after midnight Friday morning, May 8. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 83 Friends play spikeball, a game perfect for social distancing on an open but restricted San Buenaventura State Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 83 The majority of golfers are wearing masks while hitting balls on the driving range at Van Buren Executive Golf Course in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 83 Beaches including Harbor Cove Beach were open but beachgoers were not supposed to be sitting on the sand. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 83 Tango instructor Yelizaveta Nersesova leads a Zoom tango event from her Los Angeles home April 27 that brought together hundreds of dancers from around the world. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 83 Grocery store workers, joined by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 770 representatives and community members, hold a rally in support of strict social distancing on May 1 at a Ralphs store in Hollywood where 19 employees have tested positive for COVID-19. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 83 Mostly masked commuters keep their distance from one another on a Metro bus in downtown Los Angeles on April 29. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 83 Gregory Kuhl, 69, heads home after a shopping trip in Hollywood on April 28. Big cracks in the street, cars parked in driveways blocking sidewalks and uneven pavement levels make navigating his route difficult. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 83 Tenants and their supporters from across Los Angeles gather at city hall to call on L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, the L.A. City Council and California Gov. Gavin Newsom to cancel rent and mortgage payments during the COVID-19 crisis. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 83 Aerial view of over 100 vehicles lined up at the West Valley COVID-19 testing center at Warner Center in Woodland Hills. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 83 Senior Mason Wise, left, helps his sister, Mackenzie, a sophomore, clean out her PE locker at El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills. School officials were allowing no more than five students at a time on campus to take home their belongings. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 83 Shuttered storefront businesses in the garment district of Los Angeles. California’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed since the statewide coronavirus shutdown took effect. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 83 Healthcare workers celebrate as Claudia Martinez is discharged from the ICU after she recovered from COVID-19 at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 83 Carson residents Kaeli Burks, 3, left, and her cousin Bailey Watson, 5, look out the window of their car after their mothers helped them with self-testing at a new drive-up testing site for COVID-19 in Carson. Free COVID-19 testing is available to all city residents thanks to a partnership between the city and US Health Fairs. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 83 Norm and Tracy Kahn enjoy eating dinner outside on a small cafe table sitting in blue chairs on their side yard during the coronavirus pandemic on April 27 in Riverside. “During this pandemic, eating outside offers us an opportunity to change surrounding and appreciate the calmness of being outdoors among trees, scents from nature and the sounds of birds,” she said. Also adding, “Mixing up where we eat puts variety into our days and takes away the sameness of feeling trapped at home.” (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 83 Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center nurses carry supplies outside the hospital. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 83 Tom Sean Foley pauses on a walk with his kids, Cathelen Claire, “C.C.,” 3, and Timothy Joseph, 4, to take a photo in front of the “Love Wall,” mural by artist Curtis Kulig, outside of Smashbox Studios in Culver City. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 83 Protesters stand along Mission Blvd. in Pacific Beach during A Day of Liberty rally on April 26. The protesters were against the government shutdown due to the coronavirus. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 83 People make orders at a food truck along Shoreline Avenue in Long Beach. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 83 Medical staff, wearing protective gear, work inside a COVID-19 isolation area inside the emergency department at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, where patients with the virus are being treated. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 83 Neighbors practice social distancing while enjoying the nice weather near The Strand in Hermosa Beach. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 83 Counter-protesters attend a protest to call on state and local officials to reopen the economy in downtown Los Angeles. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 83 A group of protesters cheer on cars during a vehicle caravan protest to call on state and local officials to reopen the economy in downtown Los Angeles. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 83 Cedar Mountain Post Acute Rehabilitation staff member Navi Cavaltera waters a flower pot put up by the community to show their support for the nursing staff of the facility in Yucaipa. Eighteen of 20 coronavirus-related deaths in Yucaipa were residents of the skilled nursing facility. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 83 A pedestrian wearing a protective mask passes a mural on a store on Melrose Avenue in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 83 Jonte Florence, a freestyle dancer, does a handstand on a mostly empty Hollywood Walk of Fame. Florence said he normally performs for hundreds of tourists along the busy street. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 83 The Tyrannosaurus rex overlooking the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue wears a protective mask while practicing social distancing. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 83 Businesses are shuttered and pedestrians are few and far between on Hollywood Boulevard. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 83 Daniel Rogerson wears a vintage military gas mask while riding a bike along the beach path in Santa Monica, which is closed to enforce social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 83 A face mask seller in colorful dress appears to be part of a mural behind a bus stop on Soto Street in Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 83 Life around Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and Soto Street has slowed down as California officials extended stay-at-home orders into May and residents entered Easter weekend with unprecedented limits on their movements. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 83 UC Irvine Medical Center health care workers return their gratitude as about 25 Orange County first responder vehicles participate in a drive-by parade of gratitude as they battle COVID-19 at the hospital. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 83 Billy Budd, 55, of Hollywood, walks along Hollywood Boulevard with a protective face covering. Budd is a scenic artist for movies and television who is currently out of work due to the coronavirus outbreak. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 83 Stuart Reyes and his sister, Stephanie, sell masks for $5 each on the 3000 block of West Century Boulevard in Inglewood. Stuart Reyes said he is selling masks to support his mother. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 83 A jogger runs on a closed trail past dozens of pieces of caution tape, torn off by hikers and mountain bikers at El Escorpion Canyon Park in West Hills. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 83 Alex Herron and nurse Mercy Pineda at a blood drive sponsored by USC athletics and the American Red Cross at USC’s Galen Center. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 83 Los Angeles City Hall displays blue lights to show support for healthcare workers and first responders. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 83 After being indoors for several days because of rainy weather and coronavirus stay-at-home orders, Olivia Jacobs, 4, and her mom, Cia Jacobs, enjoy a warm and sunny afternoon making chalk drawings on the sidewalk in front of their home in West Hills. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 83 An Oceanview Plaza security guard sports a whimsical mask while on patrol. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 83 Jacob De Wilde, left, and Lesli Lytle load a car with food during a food distribution organized to mark Good Friday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 83 As a late season storm continues to make its way across the Southland, a young basketball player dribbles along an alley through an Elysian Park neighborhood in Los Angeles. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 83 People are silhouetted in a window of an apartment building in Hollywood, where a stay-at-home order remains in effect to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 83 The Wilshire Grand Center display blue lights and a heart to show support for healthcare workers and first responders. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 83 Women wear masks as they stroll along Highland Avenue in Hollywood. Wearing masks while outdoors is mandatory in the city of Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 83 Patients are removed from Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after 39 tested positive for the coronavirus and nursing staff was not showing up to work. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 83 A specimen is turned in at the new mobile testing site for people with symptoms of the coronavirus at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 83 Hippie Kitchen in Los Angeles hands out food, water and toiletries to homeless people and residents of skid row. Additionally, masks were offered to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 83 Nurses pose for a fun photo during a break in drive-through public testing for the coronavirus at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 83 A woman shows a notice from her doctor that allows her to obtain a test for coronavirus at a new drive-up testing site in a parking lot at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 83 A person who wishes to remain anonymous strikes from her car to support McDonald’s employees who are demanding the company cover healthcare costs of any worker or immediate family member who gets sick from COVID-19 in Los Angeles. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 83 Cassidy Roosen, with Beach Cities Health District, holds up a sign that says, “We’re All in This Together,” while waiting to direct cars at a drive-through, appointment-only coronavirus testing location at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 83 Juliann Hartman, center, and her husband, Butch, wave signs they created to cheer up people on Calabasas Road in Calabasas during the pandemic. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 83 Grace Carter, 15, of Riverside, practices a dance routine at home after dance classes and school were canceled. She has to use the Zoom app on her iPhone to practice with her dance group. “It’s hard,” she said. “My bedroom is a smaller space. I miss all my friends at the studio.” (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 57 / 83 A man works from his home in Long Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 83 A San Bernardino County healthcare worker takes a sample at a coronavirus drive-through testing site at the county fairgrounds in Victorville. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 83 A Metro general service employee disinfects a bench in Boyle Heights. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 60 / 83 A runner jogs past the Pottery Barn in Pasadena. Some businesses in the area have boarded up their stores. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 61 / 83 Raquel Lezama and daughter Monica Ramos collect meals for their family at Manual Arts High School. Lezama was laid off from her $17.76-an-hour job at a Beverly Hills hotel. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 62 / 83 The Iron City Tavern in San Pedro tries an incentive to lure takeout customers. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 63 / 83 Healthcare workers gather outside UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center to call for further action from the federal government in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 83 Kristen Edgerle, of Victorville, collects information from a blood donor before drawing blood at The Richard Nixon Presidential Library blood drive during the coronavirus pandemic in Yorba Linda. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 83 Shauna Jin, of Los Angeles, with her dog, Bodhi, practices social distancing with John Kiss, of Los Angeles, at the entrance of Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 83 A lending library had some additional useful items, including a roll of toilet paper and cans of beans and corn, in a Hermosa Beach neighborhood. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 67 / 83 Protesters drive by the Getty House, the home of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, in Hancock Park. Tenant advocates are demanding a total moratorium on evictions during the coronavirus crisis. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 68 / 83 Venice residents Emily Berry and Gavin Kelley take a break at Venice Beach. Berry, a cocktail waitress at Enterprise Fish Co., lost her job due to the coronavirus outbreak. Kelley, a manager at a performing arts school with a focus on music, said that he still has a job and that classes at the school will resume online this coming Monday. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 69 / 83 The JW Marriott at L.A. Live is sharing a message of hope with red lights in 34 windows, creating a 19-story display on the hotel’s north side. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 70 / 83 Juan Diaz Jr., a lifelong Dodgers fan, prays that the season will start by May in front of Dodger Stadium on what would have been opening day. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 71 / 83 Hayley, CEO and founder of Love My Neighbor Foundation, right, dances with Crystal Armster, 51, while she and her colleagues continue to feed the homeless on skid row amid the pandemic. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 72 / 83 A masked passenger on a Metro bus in downtown Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 73 / 83 Dede Oneal waits for a coronavirus test at the Crenshaw Christian Center in South Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 74 / 83 A man in a mask passes a closed restaurant along Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 75 / 83 Artist Corie Mattie paints a mural on the side of a pop-up store as a man takes a picture in West Hollywood. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 76 / 83 Medical assistant Zoila Villalta works with Rosie Boston, 32, of Glendale, who is donating blood for her first time at L.A. Care Health Plan downtown. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 77 / 83 A couple wait for a bus outside the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 78 / 83 With all Los Angeles schools closed until further notice, LAUSD buses sit idle in Gardena. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 79 / 83 A lone traveler makes his way to catch a flight in Tom Bradley International Terminal. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 80 / 83 Denise Young looks on as her daughter, Allison, 9, a fourth-grader at EARThS (Environmental Academy of Research Technology and Earth Sciences) Magnet School in Newbury Park, receives a Chromebook. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 81 / 83 Hollywood Boulevard is devoid of the usual crowds. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 82 / 83 Michael Ray, 11, plays before a movie at the Paramount Drive-In. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 83 / 83 Isabella Leader, 15, counts how many flags have been left for World War II veteran Lt. Col. Sam Sachs who was celebrating his 105th birthday at the Mom & Dad’s House, an assisted living facility, in Lakewood. Lt. Col. Sachs appealed to the public for birthday cards after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of a big celebration and wound up receiving thousands, including a letter and photo from President Trump. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
“UFCW members serve as frontline workers in grocery and drug stores throughout Los Angeles County. They are putting their health and safety on the line during this pandemic,” said John Grant, president of the union branch. “The requirements to provide PPE and regular hand washing, among other measures, will promote public safety and health throughout Los Angeles County and flatten the curve of the pandemic.”
Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association, which represents about 400 businesses in Southern California, said a major problem for his members is obtaining sanitizer, gloves and masks. A hospital has even called him, seeking hand sanitizer, Waldman said.
“Everyone wants protections, and no one wants to put their employees at risk, but where do we get it? It’s impossible to find,” Waldman said.


latimes--2020-04-14--DMV extends expiring driver's licenses due to coronavirus closures

With all field offices closed to the public during the coronavirus outbreak , the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced @ @ @ @ @ licenses that are expiring for residents younger than 70 until May 31 .
The DMV @ @ @ @ @ for licenses of drivers age 70 and older , a group that is particularly vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ under caution to stay in their homes .
DMV officials also said Tuesday that all @ @ @ @ @ March and June are now valid through June 30 , a date set by an @ @ @ @ @ Motor Carrier Safety Administration .
“ The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the @ @ @ @ @ agency statement .
Officials have opened a new virtual office where drivers can still conduct @ @ @

The Department of Motor Vehicles office on Glenoaks Avenue in Glendale closed last month after the COVID-19 outbreak.
With all field offices closed to the public during the coronavirus outbreak, the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Tuesday it is extending driver licenses that are expiring for residents younger than 70 until May 31.
The DMV had previously granted 120-day extensions for licenses of drivers age 70 and older, a group that is particularly vulnerable to the virus and is under caution to stay in their homes.
DMV officials also said Tuesday that all commercial driver licenses expiring between March and June are now valid through June 30, a date set by an emergency declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
“The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions,” said an agency statement.
Officials have opened a new virtual office where drivers can still conduct many transactions.


latimes--2020-04-14--Coronavirus infections low, optimism growing in Orange County

Orange County officials on Tuesday continued to express cautious optimism that restrictions taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus were working .
On Monday , health officials reported nine new infections , a total that was revised later to eight .
That was the fewest reported cases since March 17 .
On Tuesday , 23 new cases were reported , for a two-day count of 31 — the county ’ s lowest two-day total in three weeks .
There were no additional deaths from COVID-19 reported Tuesday .
Countywide , the total case count now stands at 1,299 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
The COVID-19 mortality rate in Orange County was about 1.46 % as of Tuesday .
In Los Angeles County , where 40 new deaths were reported Tuesday among more than 10,000 cases , it was 3.6 % .
Across Orange County , 122 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized , 62 of them in intensive care .
To date , 14,977 people have undergone testing for COVID-19 in the county — 802 of them since Monday .
Orange County officials , while cautioning against reading too much into one or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated that steps taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus might be working .
“ We are cautiously optimistic that the actions we have been asking Orange County residents to take through the governor ’ s executive order , as well as the state health officer ’ s order to stay at home , social distancing … are beginning to have an impact , ” said David Souleles , director of public health services for the county Health Care Agency .
Given promising signs that such measures could be making a difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gavin Newsom — have begun publicly discussing what would need to happen for things to start returning to normal .
Health officials say that lifting stay-at-home orders and other restrictions will likely be a gradual process .
“ I think the goal would be to lighten the restrictions over a period of time , ” Souleles told the Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday .
“ So rather than a light switch that says on a particular day we would go back to pre-COVID activity levels ... we would be backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions.
” Supervisor Lisa Bartlett agreed that a cautious approach was the best road forward .
“ The worst thing we can do is lift restrictions and the next thing you know we ’ ve got a surge in cases and our health system gets overwhelmed , ” she said .
Supervisor Andrew Do pointed out that “ sometimes it ’ s hard to prove a negative .
The best you can hope for with good policy is to get a nothing , a non-event.
” “ The best that we can hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve seen , ” he said , “ which is a relatively positive result .
”

Patrons, many of them wearing masks, wait to pick up food for their Easter meals at the HoneyBaked Ham Co. in Huntington Beach on Saturday.
Orange County officials on Tuesday continued to express cautious optimism that restrictions taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus were working.
On Monday, health officials reported nine new infections, a total that was revised later to eight. That was the fewest reported cases since March 17. On Tuesday, 23 new cases were reported, for a two-day count of 31 — the county’s lowest two-day total in three weeks. There were no additional deaths from COVID-19 reported Tuesday.
Countywide, the total case count now stands at 1,299. There have been 19 deaths linked to the coronavirus.
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The COVID-19 mortality rate in Orange County was about 1.46% as of Tuesday. In Los Angeles County, where 40 new deaths were reported Tuesday among more than 10,000 cases, it was 3.6%.
California Do you know someone who has lost the battle with COVID-19? In our effort to cover this pandemic as thoroughly as possible, we’d like to hear from the loved ones of people who have died from the coronavirus.
Across Orange County, 122 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, 62 of them in intensive care. To date, 14,977 people have undergone testing for COVID-19 in the county — 802 of them since Monday.
Orange County officials, while cautioning against reading too much into one or two data points, said the recent results indicated that steps taken to stem the spread of the coronavirus might be working.
“We are cautiously optimistic that the actions we have been asking Orange County residents to take through the governor’s executive order, as well as the state health officer’s order to stay at home, social distancing … are beginning to have an impact,” said David Souleles, director of public health services for the county Health Care Agency.
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Given promising signs that such measures could be making a difference statewide, some officials — including Gov. Gavin Newsom — have begun publicly discussing what would need to happen for things to start returning to normal.
Health officials say that lifting stay-at-home orders and other restrictions will likely be a gradual process.
“I think the goal would be to lighten the restrictions over a period of time,” Souleles told the Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. “So rather than a light switch that says on a particular day we would go back to pre-COVID activity levels ... we would be backing out over time and slowly loosening the restrictions.”
Supervisor Lisa Bartlett agreed that a cautious approach was the best road forward.
“The worst thing we can do is lift restrictions and the next thing you know we’ve got a surge in cases and our health system gets overwhelmed,” she said.
Supervisor Andrew Do pointed out that “sometimes it’s hard to prove a negative. The best you can hope for with good policy is to get a nothing, a non-event.”
“The best that we can hope for is to see what we’ve seen,” he said, “which is a relatively positive result.”


latimes--2020-04-14--California must do 6 things before coronavirus restrictions can be lifted, Newsom says

Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Tuesday offered his most detailed look yet athow California could begin to lift coronavirus stay-at-home rules and get its economy going again .
The administration highlighted six key indicators for altering his stay-at-home mandate , including the ability to closely monitor and track potential cases , prevent infection of high-risk people , prepare hospitals to handle surges , develop therapies to meet demand , ensure schools , businesses and child-care facilities can support social distancing , and develop guidelines for when to ask Californians to stay home again if necessary .
Newsom did not offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be modified but provided some general goals that must be met to move forward .
Experts have said that lifting social distancing rules will be a long and deliberate process , with some businesses coming back before others .
For example , restaurants might be able to reopen with strict social distancing , but big events would be harder to restart anytime soon .
Here are the six steps in what the Newsom administration called its road map to modifying the stay-at-home order , with questions to measure whether each had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to test everyone who is symptomatic ?
— Do we have the ability to identify contacts of those who are positive to reduce further transmission ?
2 .
The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19 — Are older Californians and the medically vulnerable living in their own homes supported so they can continue appropriate physical distancing ?
— Have we developed a plan to quickly identify and contain outbreaks in facilities housing older Californians , those living with disabilities , those currently incarcerated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges — Do we have adequate bed capacity , staff and supplies such as ventilators and masks ?
— Can our healthcare system adequately address COVID-19 and other critical healthcare needs ?
4 .
The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand — Have we built a coalition of private , public , and academic partners to accelerate the development of therapeutics ?
— Have we identified potential therapeutics that have shown promise ?
5 .
The ability for businesses , schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Have we worked with businesses to support physical distancing practices and introduced guidelines to provide health checks when employees or the general public enter the premises ?
— Do we have supplies and equipment to keep the workforce and customers safe ?
6 .
The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures , such as the stay-at-home orders , if necessary — Are we tracking the right data to provide us an early warning system ?
— Do we have the ability to quickly communicate the need to reinstate these measures @

A man waits outside Kedren Community Health Center in South Los Angeles where walk-up coronavirus testing was offered Tuesday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday offered his most detailed look yet athow California could begin to lift coronavirus stay-at-home rules and get its economy going again.
The administration highlighted six key indicators for altering his stay-at-home mandate, including the ability to closely monitor and track potential cases, prevent infection of high-risk people, prepare hospitals to handle surges, develop therapies to meet demand, ensure schools, businesses and child-care facilities can support social distancing, and develop guidelines for when to ask Californians to stay home again if necessary.
Newsom did not offer any firm timetables for when stay-at-home orders could be modified but provided some general goals that must be met to move forward.
Experts have said that lifting social distancing rules will be a long and deliberate process, with some businesses coming back before others. For example, restaurants might be able to reopen with strict social distancing, but big events would be harder to restart anytime soon.
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Here are the six steps in what the Newsom administration called its road map to modifying the stay-at-home order, with questions to measure whether each had been completed.
— How prepared is our state to test everyone who is symptomatic?
— Do we have the ability to identify contacts of those who are positive to reduce further transmission?
2. The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19
— Are older Californians and the medically vulnerable living in their own homes supported so they can continue appropriate physical distancing?
— Have we developed a plan to quickly identify and contain outbreaks in facilities housing older Californians, those living with disabilities, those currently incarcerated, and those with co-morbidities?
3. The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges
— Do we have adequate bed capacity, staff and supplies such as ventilators and masks?
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— Can our healthcare system adequately address COVID-19 and other critical healthcare needs?
4. The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand
— Have we built a coalition of private, public, and academic partners to accelerate the development of therapeutics?
— Have we identified potential therapeutics that have shown promise?
5. The ability for businesses, schools and child-care facilities to support physical distancing
— Have we worked with businesses to support physical distancing practices and introduced guidelines to provide health checks when employees or the general public enter the premises?
— Do we have supplies and equipment to keep the workforce and customers safe?
6. The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary
— Are we tracking the right data to provide us an early warning system?
— Do we have the ability to quickly communicate the need to reinstate these measures?


latimes--2020-04-14--Here is the latest list of Orange County communities with coronavirus cases

Orange County reported 23 new coronavirus infections Tuesday as officials continued to express cautious optimism about the direction the region @ @ @ @ @ ’ s cumulative caseload now stands at 1,299 , and its death toll remains unchanged @ @ @ @ @ the county ’ s mortality rate from COVID-19 at about 1.46 % .
“ Orange @ @ @ @ @ lower case fatality rate than surrounding jurisdictions , ” said David Souleles , director of @ @ @ @ @ Orange County Health Care Agency .
Countywide , 122 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized , @ @ @ @ @ care .
Both of those figures are up from the previous day ’ s totals @ @ @ @ @ respectively — but one additional hospital reported data , which could at least partially explain @ @ @ @ @ , 14,977 people have tested for COVID-19 countywide — 802 of them since Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ ” category includes unincorporated areas and cities that have fewer than 25,000 residents and fewer @ @ @ @ @ updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information .

Orange County reported 23 new coronavirus infections Tuesday as officials continued to express cautious optimism about the direction the region was headed.
The county’s cumulative caseload now stands at 1,299, and its death toll remains unchanged at 19. That puts the county’s mortality rate from COVID-19 at about 1.46%.
“Orange County continues to have a lower case fatality rate than surrounding jurisdictions,” said David Souleles, director of public health services for the Orange County Health Care Agency.
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Countywide, 122 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, 62 of them in intensive care. Both of those figures are up from the previous day’s totals — 103 and 51, respectively — but one additional hospital reported data, which could at least partially explain the difference.
To date, 14,977 people have tested for COVID-19 countywide — 802 of them since Monday.
Age breakdown of cases:
0-17 — 21
18-24 — 106
25-34 — 223
35-44 — 194
45-64 — 507
65+ — 248
Age breakdown of deaths:
25-34 — 2
35-44 — 1
45-64 — 5
65+ — 11
California Do you know someone who has lost the battle with COVID-19? In our effort to cover this pandemic as thoroughly as possible, we’d like to hear from the loved ones of people who have died from the coronavirus.
Cases by community:
Aliso Viejo — 14
Anaheim — 148
Brea — 12
Buena Park — 45
Costa Mesa — 26
Coto de Caza — 5
Cypress — 32
Dana Point — 12
Fountain Valley — 20
Fullerton — 38
Garden Grove — 39
Huntington Beach — 88
Irvine — 103
La Habra — 28
La Palma — 12
Ladera Ranch — 9
Laguna Beach — 37
Laguna Hills — 13
Laguna Niguel — 28
Laguna Woods — 7
Lake Forest — 23
Los Alamitos — 5
Mission Viejo — 34
Newport Beach — 87
Orange — 47
Placentia — 28
Rancho Santa Margarita — 11
San Clemente — 44
San Juan Capistrano — 22
Santa Ana — 117
Seal Beach — 4
Stanton — 5
Trabuco Canyon — 8
Tustin — 30
Villa Park — 5
Westminster — 23
Yorba Linda — 38
Other — 8
Unknown — 44
Note: The “other” category includes unincorporated areas and cities that have fewer than 25,000 residents and fewer than five cases. Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information.


latimes--2020-04-14--In its largest increase since coronavirus crisis began, Riverside County reports 9 new deaths

Nine more people died Monday in Riverside County of complications from the coronavirus , the largest number of deaths reported in a single day in the county since the pandemic began , health officials said .
An additional 132 people tested positive for COVID-19 , a day after the county recorded the biggest jump in its number of confirmed cases .
The new deaths bring the county ’ s toll to 50 .
Two of the victims were from Palm Desert , two from Riverside , two from Moreno Valley and one each from Cherry Valley , Wildomar and Hemet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county ’ s public information officer .
Riverside County has 1,751 people who have tested positive for the illness , including 297 who have recovered .
The county now has the third-largest number of COVID-19 cases in the state , behind San Diego ( 1,847 ) and Los Angeles ( 9,480 ) , records show .
Last week , Riverside County ranked fourth .
More than 18,000 people have been tested at three county facilities , officials said .
That figure does not include tests conducted by private physicians or labs .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those being tested , health officials opened a fourth drive-through testing site Tuesday at the Perris Fairgrounds .
The facility will be open 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday .
Like other testing locations , an appointment is required .
To schedule one , call ( 800 ) 945-6171 .
“ As this pandemic progresses , knowledge is power .
The more testing and data we have , the quicker we can get control of this virus and get back to business , ” said Jeff Hewitt , the supervisor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This gives us a crucial mid-county location , and I am very happy to see it open up.
” Also beginning Tuesday , four specialized teams will begin visiting licensed care facilities , including nursing homes , throughout the county .
The teams consist of members from the American Medical Response and other healthcare partners who could be involved in patient care , officials said .
The teams will ensure that medical workers have the equipment and resources they need to do their job safely .
Officials said they want to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center last week , where several employees stopped showing up for work and the facility had be to be evacuated .
“ There has been so much incorrect information that has spread that many employees in these facilities are scared to show up for work , ” said Kim Saruwatari , the county ’ s director of public health .
“ By providing these employees with accurate information about how COVID-19 is and is not spread , they will be confident when they report to work.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county and work with staff at each facility to “ demonstrate proper safety techniques , provide proper safety gear and educate them about COVID-19 to dispel rumors and correct erroneous information , ” officials said .
Nearly 2,000 people have volunteered with the county ’ s COVID-19 response , with about half assisting with medical duties .
Opportunities vary , with some paid openings available , officials said .
For more information on volunteer opportunities , visit the county ’ s website or call ( 951 ) 955-9227 .

Riverside County medical personnel help one another with personal protective equipment at a drive-though coronavirus testing facility in March. A new site opened Tuesday in the county.
Nine more people died Monday in Riverside County of complications from the coronavirus, the largest number of deaths reported in a single day in the county since the pandemic began, health officials said.
An additional 132 people tested positive for COVID-19, a day after the county recorded the biggest jump in its number of confirmed cases.
The new deaths bring the county’s toll to 50. Two of the victims were from Palm Desert, two from Riverside, two from Moreno Valley and one each from Cherry Valley, Wildomar and Hemet, according to Brooke Federico, the county’s public information officer.
Riverside County has 1,751 people who have tested positive for the illness, including 297 who have recovered. The county now has the third-largest number of COVID-19 cases in the state , behind San Diego (1,847) and Los Angeles (9,480), records show. Last week, Riverside County ranked fourth.
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1 / 23 Riverside County medical personnel help each other with their protective gear at a drive-though coronavirus testing facility for Coachella Valley residents in Indian Wells on March 24. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 23 Medical staff carry patients’ belongings during evacuation at the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where 39 people tested positive for the coronavirus, on April 7. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 23 Gurpreet Singh, left, and Balwinder Sidhu deliver meal boxes at a food distribution organized by United Sikh Mission and the Sikh Community of Riverside at Sikh Gurdwara. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 23 Patients are removed from the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Riverside on April 7 after five employees and 34 patients tested positive for the coronavirus and staff failed to show up to work. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 23 Erick Borjas uses an electrostatic disinfectant to clean the surgical ward of a medical facility in Riverside County on April 15. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 23 Protesters who want the public health orders rescinded, rally at the County Administrative Center where the Riverside County Board of Supervisors were meeting in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 23 Residents who want public health orders rescinded attend an emergency meeting of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors at the County Administrative Center in Riverside. Type written notes are placed on chairs to keep people from sitting near each other. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 23 Traveling nurse Gail Cunningham waves thanks as residents pay tribute to her and her medical personnel during a drive-by rally honoring frontline heroes at the Emergency Room entrance to Riverside University Health System in Moreno Valley. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 23 Jesus Duenas practices his slack lining while his brother Alfred Duenas, left, does strength exercises at Fairmount Park in Riverside. They live together and said the trees help keep them 6-feet apart from anyone walking by. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 23 Javon Jones of the Antioch Church sings gospel hymns during a livestreamed Easter worship on Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside. For only the third time in 111 years, Easter service atop Mt. Rubidoux was canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 23 RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27, 2020: Norm and Tracy Kahn enjoy eating dinner outside on a small cafe table sitting in blue chairs on their side yard during the coronavirus pandemic on April 27, 2020 in Riverside, California. ‘During this pandemic, eating outside offers us an opportunity to change surrounding and appreciate the calmness of being outdoors among trees, scents from nature and the sounds of birds, “ she said. Also adding, “Mixing up where we eat puts variety into our days and takes away the sameness of feeling trapped at home.” (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) (Gina Ferazzi/Gina Ferazzi/Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 12 / 23 Small business owner Ana Lee of Riverside created “Community Over Covid” posters for neighbors to place of their front lawns during the coronavirus pandemic. “I thought it would be uplifting,” she said on April 10. “With so many people home and taking walks in their own neighborhoods but not being able to be physically proximate to other families, the signs are a visual reminder, that neighborly wave, that we are a strong community.” (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 23 Neighbors gather to sing “Amazing Grace” on Easter Sunday on Emerson Street, a quiet cul-de-sac in Riverside, whose mayor, Rusty Bailey, had asked residents to come out of their homes to sing at noon. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 23 The Stowe family in Riverside held a role-reversal prom after a nephew’s prom was canceled because of the coronavirus. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 23 After celebrating their nephew’s canceled prom via a video feed, the Stowe family greets neighbors in Riverside while practicing social distancing. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 23 At least 30 patients and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Extended Care Hospital of Riverside, a skilled nursing facility. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 23 A Palm Springs resident finds the serenity of a closed golf course the perfect place for afternoon reading during the coronavirus pandemic at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort in Palm Springs. All the golf courses are closed in the desert communities. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 23 Shopping carts block off the parking area in front of a Best Buy store in Rancho Mirage that was open for curbside pickup only during the coronavirus pandemic on April 2. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 23 Restaurant owner Lisa Weaver takes a to-go order from a resident at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit during the coronavirus pandemic on April 3 in Rancho Mirage. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 23 Adeline Hernandez, 2, of Riverside seems perplexed by the yellow caution tape as she approaches the closed-off swing sets at Ryan Bonaminio Park in Riverside on April 3. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 23 Wearing a cat mask, Chani Beeman of Riverside shows off a roll of toilet paper she got as a bonus with her takeout order from Mario’s Place in downtown Riverside on April 3. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 23 Freddy Torres of Buena Park gets some target practice in at Riverside Indoor Shooting Range on March 31. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 23 Customers wait in line to buy guns at Warrior One Guns and Ammo during the coronavirus pandemic in Riverside on March 31. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
California Riverside County responds to coronavirus spike with temporary hospitals Riverside County is opening two federal medical stations to alleviate stress at local hospitals as they prepare for an influx of patients.
More than 18,000 people have been tested at three county facilities, officials said. That figure does not include tests conducted by private physicians or labs.
In an effort to boost the number of those being tested, health officials opened a fourth drive-through testing site Tuesday at the Perris Fairgrounds. The facility will be open 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Like other testing locations, an appointment is required. To schedule one, call (800) 945-6171.
“As this pandemic progresses, knowledge is power. The more testing and data we have, the quicker we can get control of this virus and get back to business,” said Jeff Hewitt, the supervisor of the county’s fifth district. “This gives us a crucial mid-county location, and I am very happy to see it open up.”
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Also beginning Tuesday, four specialized teams will begin visiting licensed care facilities, including nursing homes, throughout the county. The teams consist of members from the American Medical Response and other healthcare partners who could be involved in patient care, officials said.
The teams will ensure that medical workers have the equipment and resources they need to do their job safely. Officials said they want to prevent situations like the one that occurred at the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center last week, where several employees stopped showing up for work and the facility had be to be evacuated.
“There has been so much incorrect information that has spread that many employees in these facilities are scared to show up for work,” said Kim Saruwatari, the county’s director of public health. “By providing these employees with accurate information about how COVID-19 is and is not spread, they will be confident when they report to work.”
The teams will target specific regions in the county and work with staff at each facility to “demonstrate proper safety techniques, provide proper safety gear and educate them about COVID-19 to dispel rumors and correct erroneous information,” officials said.
Nearly 2,000 people have volunteered with the county’s COVID-19 response, with about half assisting with medical duties. Opportunities vary, with some paid openings available, officials said. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit the county’s website or call (951) 955-9227.


latimes--2020-04-14--How to thank healthcare, grocery and other essential workers during the coronavirus outbreak

Lines snake through parking lots at grocery stores .
Buses carry people to essential jobs .
Packages wait outside doorsteps .
And doctors and nurses gear up for long shifts in packed hospitals .
While many people work from home and await the end of stay-at-home guidelines , some workers continue to brave the coronavirus pandemic to go to work to keep essential parts of society running .
“ At first , we looked at it like we ’ re here to provide to the community , ” said Prince Clay , a store captain at a Trader Joe ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now people look at us — we ’ re not heroes — but we ’ re on the front line of defense.
” Here are a few ways to thank those essential workers .
The easiest way to thank essential workers is by following regulations put in place to keep them safe .
Stay at home unless it ’ s necessary to leave .
Call your doctor before going to the hospital for minor symptoms .
Wear masks at the grocery store , other essential businesses and on public transportation .
When entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door , and do your best to maintain proper distance from other riders and the driver .
For healthcare professionals and transit workers : Donate what you can The shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) makes going to work dangerous for many essential employees .
Physicians and medical researchers mobilized quickly to organize , a website with a comprehensive map showing locations looking for donations , instructions for drop-off/pickup and what items locations are accepting .
Before donating , always check what is needed , said Lisa Baxter , the director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King Community Health Foundation .
Needs change daily .
Many hospitals have information on their websites about how and what to donate , including options for donations to a hospital ’ s “ rainy day fund.
” The monetary donations go toward urgent needs like purchasing PPE while also allowing hospitals to invest in long-term services like telehealth and triage call centers .
“ Although it might not be as gratifying , it ’ s helpful , ” said Priscilla Valencia , MLK-CHF development manager .
Arturo Aguilar , president of the Amalgamated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also struggled to secure the necessary PPE for his members .
Protective equipment such as masks and face shields , cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer are hard to find .
The union president said he would accept any donations to distribute to his drivers and maintenance employees .
Those with supplies can contact Aguilar via email at .
LA Metro said drivers can also accept personal donations of new , unopened masks .
In an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the virus , many grocery stores have stopped packing customers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their groceries to their own bags outside of the store if preferred .
Clay said almost all of his customers have accepted the changing rules .
For those who want to go above and beyond at their local grocery store , there are options .
Clay remembered a regular customer who purchased her normal $ 300 grocery haul then added $ 100 in gift cards .
She distributed $ 10 each to all the employees in the store .
Besides a courtesy note left for your mail carrier , the American Postal Workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of Congress to support the United States Postal Service as the coronavirus outbreak has exacerbated the agency ’ s financial struggles .
The USPS didn ’ t receive any direct aid from the recent $ 2-trillion coronavirus stimulus bill , and the agency does not receive money from taxpayers , relying only on the sale of postage , products and services to fund its operations .
However , the number of items being mailed has dropped about 50 % during the coronavirus outbreak , union president Mark Dimondstein said , slashing revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service could be out of money by Sept. 30 , Postmaster Gen. Megan J. Brennan warned the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and Reform last week .
Running out of money could cost more than 600,000 jobs and end the postal service ’ s universal service obligation , Dimondstein said .
No longer would every address in the country be accessible at the same rate .
“ It won ’ t be equal anymore , ” Dimondstein said .
“ It ’ ll be about who can afford it .
”

Lines snake through parking lots at grocery stores. Buses carry people to essential jobs. Packages wait outside doorsteps. And doctors and nurses gear up for long shifts in packed hospitals.
While many people work from home and await the end of stay-at-home guidelines, some workers continue to brave the coronavirus pandemic to go to work to keep essential parts of society running.
“At first, we looked at it like we’re here to provide to the community,” said Prince Clay, a store captain at a Trader Joe’s in Culver City. “But now people look at us — we’re not heroes — but we’re on the front line of defense.”
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Here are a few ways to thank those essential workers.
Follow the rules
The easiest way to thank essential workers is by following regulations put in place to keep them safe. Stay at home unless it’s necessary to leave. Call your doctor before going to the hospital for minor symptoms. Wear masks at the grocery store, other essential businesses and on public transportation. When entering buses, do so from the rear door, and do your best to maintain proper distance from other riders and the driver.
For healthcare professionals and transit workers: Donate what you can
The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) makes going to work dangerous for many essential employees. Physicians and medical researchers mobilized quickly to organize GetUsPPE.org , a website with a comprehensive map showing locations looking for donations, instructions for drop-off/pickup and what items locations are accepting.
Before donating, always check what is needed, said Lisa Baxter, the director of major gifts at the Martin Luther King Community Health Foundation. Needs change daily.
Many hospitals have information on their websites about how and what to donate, including options for donations to a hospital’s “rainy day fund.” The monetary donations go toward urgent needs like purchasing PPE while also allowing hospitals to invest in long-term services like telehealth and triage call centers.
“Although it might not be as gratifying, it’s helpful,” said Priscilla Valencia, MLK-CHF development manager.
Advertisement
Arturo Aguilar, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union in Los Angeles, has also struggled to secure the necessary PPE for his members. Protective equipment such as masks and face shields, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer are hard to find. The union president said he would accept any donations to distribute to his drivers and maintenance employees. Those with supplies can contact Aguilar via email at aaguilar@atu1277.com .
LA Metro said drivers can also accept personal donations of new, unopened masks.
For grocery store employees: Skip the reusable bags
In an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, many grocery stores have stopped packing customers’ reusable bags. Customers can still transfer their groceries to their own bags outside of the store if preferred. Clay said almost all of his customers have accepted the changing rules.
For those who want to go above and beyond at their local grocery store, there are options. Clay remembered a regular customer who purchased her normal $300 grocery haul then added $100 in gift cards. She distributed $10 each to all the employees in the store.
For your letter carrier: Write a letter
Besides a courtesy note left for your mail carrier, the American Postal Workers Union suggests calling or writing your local member of Congress to support the United States Postal Service as the coronavirus outbreak has exacerbated the agency’s financial struggles.
The USPS didn’t receive any direct aid from the recent $2-trillion coronavirus stimulus bill, and the agency does not receive money from taxpayers, relying only on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. However, the number of items being mailed has dropped about 50% during the coronavirus outbreak, union president Mark Dimondstein said, slashing revenue. As a result, the postal service could be out of money by Sept. 30, Postmaster Gen. Megan J. Brennan warned the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and Reform last week.
Running out of money could cost more than 600,000 jobs and end the postal service’s universal service obligation, Dimondstein said. No longer would every address in the country be accessible at the same rate.
“It won’t be equal anymore,” Dimondstein said. “It’ll be about who can afford it.”