Friday, August 28, 2020
The L.A. city attorney’s office filed charges against the Hollywood Hills party hosts who violated social distancing orders.
At today’s press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a new four-tier system for labeling counties’ reopening plans and the risk of COVID-19 spread. L.A. County currently falls under the “widespread” risk category, meaning that it sees more than 7 daily new cases per 100,000 people, more than 8 percent positive COVID-19 tests and many nonessential indoor businesses must remain closed. The new system complicates the preexisting reopening plans developed by local county officials. — CBS Los Angeles
USC’s chief health officer reported 147 total coronavirus cases this week. Students are catching the virus from small gatherings, such as study groups and shared meals. — L.A. Times
The L.A. city attorney’s office filed misdemeanor charges against two TikTok stars for hosting large parties in the Hollywood Hills in violation of social distancing health orders. The penalty includes up to a year in jail and $2,000 in fines. — NBC Los Angeles
L.A. officials have expanded a program that provides free legal services to families, tenants and small businesses facing COVID-19 hardships. — FOX Los Angeles
A second Metro bus driver has died from COVID-19. There have been 343 coronavirus cases among Metro employees, contractors and vendors, and three deaths total. — NBC Los Angeles
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, pregnant people are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. And while children are capable of catching the virus, very few end up hospitalized. — Arcadia Weekly, L.A. Times
Thursday, August 27, 2020
L.A. City Council Approves $30M for Child Care, $40M for Small Businesses
Schools in L.A. County will not be allowed to apply for reopening waivers, according to Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.
Both Mayor Eric Garcetti and Gov. Gavin Newsom have voiced opposition to new CDC guidelines, which remove previous recommendations that people get tested for the virus even if they show no symptoms and that travelers undergo a 14-day quarantine. — L.A. Times, KTLA
Los Angeles health officials will not allow schools to apply for reopening waivers. State guidelines give local health officers discretion in granting waivers to local schools. — Deadline
The L.A. City Council voted to approve $30 million to fund childcare relief for low-income families, as well as $40 million for small business relief and $4.9 million for domestic violence victims. — FOX Los Angeles
Hollywood studios are experimenting with new ways of releasing films that bypass exclusive premieres at indoor theaters and allow for at-home viewings instead. — The San Diego Union-Tribune
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
L.A. County Remains 1 Requirement Short of Leaving State Watch List
Per new state guidelines, schools may resume in-person learning for children with specialized needs.
Yesterday, L.A. County reported 196 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, as well as a positivity rate of 10%. Of the six county safety thresholds tracked by the state, the one remaining hurdle in order for L.A. County to leave the watchlist is having fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people. — CBS Los Angeles
The city’s COVID-19 outdoor dining program, which allows for restaurants to expand their seating onto sidewalks, parking lots and city streets, has been extended through 2020. Some lawmakers are considering making the program permanent. — ABC Los Angeles, Eater Los Angeles
L.A. hospitals participating in COVID-19 vaccine trials are undertaking outreach efforts to include more people of color in their patient groups. Black and Latino people in the U.S. are three times more likely to test positive for the virus and five times more likely to be hospitalized. — L.A. Times
Children with special needs or at-risk circumstances, such as homelessness or potential abuse, will be allowed to return to in-person schooling in groups no larger than 14 students. — NBC Los Angeles
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Early Inmate Release Causes Firefighter Shortage in California
L.A. museums are losing millions in admission revenue, according to the group that operates the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which typically relies on inmates to fight wildfires, is facing a shortage of firefighters due to the early release of incarcerated individuals who were at risk of contracting COVID-19. — CBS Sacramento
Although L.A. County remains on the state’s coronavirus watchlist, neighboring counties’ gradual return to normalcy may serve as a useful comparison for gauging L.A.’s ability to reopen businesses and schools. — Patch Los Angeles
In a letter to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, Inspector General Max Huntsman reported that sheriff’s deputies are not wearing proper face masks while on duty. — LAist
The National History Museums of Los Angeles County anticipate a $13 million loss in revenue due to COVID-19 closures. — CBS Los Angeles
Monday, August 24, 2020
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Continue Downward Trend in L.A. County
Unemployed Californians will receive an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits.
L.A. County’s COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates have dropped to their lowest point since early April. The rate of transmission is currently at 0.92 — higher than last week’s rate of 0.86 — but cases should continue to fall so long as it remains below 1. — KTLA, NBC Los Angeles
At least 43 USC students currently living in off-campus housing have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the mandatory quarantining of more than 100 students. — Daily Trojan, CBS Los Angeles
The federal government approved California’s application for workers to receive an additional $300 in unemployment benefits. — The Mercury News
Nine more children in L.A. County have been diagnosed with a rare COVID-19-related pediatric illness called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or MIS-C. Nationally, the ailment predominantly impacts Latinx and Black children. — Deadline
Two walk-up coronavirus testing sites will be open Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Angelenos who don’t have cars, and are therefore unable to access drive-thru testing sites. — NBC Los Angeles
To boost the city’s economy, L.A.’s tourism board launched a program encouraging employed Angelenos to patronize local restaurants, hotels and other attractions. — Los Angeleno
Chinatown’s popular hot chicken spot, Howlin’ Ray’s, is temporarily closed for at least two days due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. — Eater Los Angeles
Orange County was removed from the state’s coronavirus watchlist on Sunday. Its current positive test rate is 5.4%. (L.A. County is still on the watchlist.) — L.A. Times