As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across California and the United States, it is important to stay calm and take advantage of all the local, state, and federal resources to keep everyone safe and healthy. My office will be updating this page regularly and will be available to provide assistance in working with federal agencies during this public health crisis. If we’re unable to help you, my staff may be able to help direct you to someone who can.
Click here to connect with our caseworkers.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to basic flu symptoms and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. These include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing symptoms, separate yourself from people and seek help from a health care provider. If symptoms become severe, call your doctor BEFORE visiting and inform them you are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has begun in Los Angeles County. Everyone 6 month and older is now eligible to be vaccinated. The U.S Food and Drug Administration has approved four vaccines: Moderna (two doses), Pfizer (two doses), Novavax (two doses), and Johnson & Johnson (one dose). The updated (bivalent) boosters protect against both the original virus and the Omicron variant. CDC recommends individuals ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
All four vaccines have shown to be safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, including severe illness and death. The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone, regardless of their immigration status. In Los Angeles County, it is being offered to different groups in phases.
For more information and to book a vaccine appointment, visit my vaccination page.
Prevention
It is important to take preventative actions to help slow the spread. Here are some preventative measures you and your family can take:
- Wash hands often for 20-30 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow.
- Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phone screens and doorknobs.
- Stay home from work or school if you are feeling sick.
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Testing
Testing is a vital component to stopping the spread of COVID-19. Testing is recommended regardless of vaccination status if you:
- Have COVID-19 Symptoms
- Were exposed to COVID-19
- Are returning from international travel
If you do no have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your initial exposure before testing.
Local and Federal Resources
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cooperating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Click here for resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following is a list of COVID-19 resources in various languages from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
If you have questions and would like to speak to someone, or need help finding medical care, call the Los Angeles County Information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7.
American Rescue Plan Act and Other Federal COVID-19 Resources:
Federal Unemployment Benefits
The American Rescue Plan Act extended weekly $300 federal unemployment payments until September 6, 2021. For more information on eligibility and applying for unemployment, please click here.
Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks)
The American Rescue Plan Act included another round of direct stimulus payments to most Americans. Those earning less than $75,000 per year received a $1,400 payment, many of which have already hit bank accounts nationwide. Joint filers making under $150,000 qualified for the same payment. Dependents of those who met the earning qualifications also received a $1,400 payment.
If you have questions about whether you qualify, please contact my office.
To track your stimulus check, please click here.
Child Tax Credit
Included in the American Rescue Plan Act, Congress passed a historic guaranteed basic income in the form of a child tax credit. This will send monthly payments to families totaling $3,000 per year per child ages 6-17 and $3,600 per year per child under the age of six. The U.S. Department of Treasury will process this tax credit without any action on your part. If you have any further questions, please contact my office.
Housing and Homelessness
The American Rescue Plan Act included $27.5 billion for emergency rental assistance, $4.75 billion for homelessness solutions, and $5 billion for utility assistance. The City of Los Angeles will be using some of these funds to reopen their Emergency Renters Assistance Program on March 30, 2021.
For more information on the City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Program, please click here.
For more information on the State of California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, please click here.
Vaccine Rollout and COVID-19 Response
The American Rescue Plan Act included $20 billion to establish a National COVID-19 Vaccination program, including federally-run vaccination sites like Cal State L.A. The law also included $48 billion to expand testing, contact tracing, and virus mitigation efforts plus another $750 million for COVID-related research.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Los Angeles County, please click here.
Funeral Expenses
The American Rescue Plan included funds to assist Americans with funeral expenses for COVID-related deaths since January 20, 2020. Beginning Monday, April 12, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will accept applications for funeral assistance for deaths that have occurred in the United States or U.S. territories. To apply, please gather the following: an official death certificate that attributes the cause of death to COVID-19, funeral expenses documents, and proof of funds received from other sources (i.e. burial or funeral insurance). Assistance will be capped at $9,000 per applicant.
To learn more about how to apply, please click here.
COVID-19 Information for Americans Abroad
Many Americans abroad have found themselves unable to return home after their host countries began limiting domestic and international travel to contain the spread of coronavirus. For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Small Business Owner’s Guide:
The programs and initiatives in the CARES Act, and subsequent federal relief legislation like the American Rescue Plan, that were passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. There are many new resources available for small businesses, as well as non-profits and other employers.
Click here to access my guide for small business owners.
Other COVID-19 Resources:
