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Friday, February 19, 2021
For the second day in a row, delayed vaccine shipments force city-run vaccination sites to postpone appointments.
Los Angeles County health officials confirmed 2,459 new cases of COVID-19 and 150 new deaths Friday, bringing the county’s tally to 1,176,772 positive cases and 19,662 deaths. There are 2,640 people hospitalized for COVID-19 in the county, with 31% of these patients receiving intensive care. — Los Angeles Department of Public Health
California will reserve 10% of its weekly vaccine allotments for teachers, school staff and child care providers starting March 1, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. — LAist
In an effort to address low vaccination rates among Black and Latino communities, the city of Los Angeles will increase the number of mobile vaccination clinics, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Thursday. The plan is to increase the number of these clinics to 10, which should be operating by the end of March. — Los Angeles Times
Costco stores in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties will soon offer COVID-19 vaccines “in accordance with CDC and state guidelines,” as part of a vaccination program across several states, according to a statement from the wholesale retailer. The company noted it will offer a limited number of vaccines, which will typically be from Moderna. — ABC Los Angeles
Saturday vaccine appointments at city-run sites have been postponed as weather conditions in much of the nation continue to hamper the delivery of doses to the region. Affected patients will be automatically scheduled to receive their shot at a later date, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti. Mobile vaccination clinics will not be impacted. — KTLA
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Appointments No Longer Required at City-Run COVID-19 Testing Sites
Weather-related delays in the vaccine supply chain have forced L.A. city-run vaccination sites to postpone thousands of appointments.
Thousands of appointments at city-run vaccination sites will be postponed, as severe weather conditions across the nation cause delays in the vaccine supply chain. The 12,500 people who had their Friday appointments moved will receive a notification by text, email or phone and will be prioritized for new appointments once the city receives more doses, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office. — NBC Los Angeles
State legislators agreed on a $6.5 billion proposal to get students back in the classroom this spring. The proposal would triple funding for schools and require county public health departments to offer vaccinations to staff returning to in-person lessons. The “Safe and Open Schools” plan would also give school districts more time before reopening, as well as greater freedom in how to spend the funding. The proposal would not force schools to reopen but simply provide more funding to those that do. — Associated Press
As of next Monday, Angelenos will be able to receive a COVID-19 test at any testing site run by the city without having to make an appointment. People interested in getting a test can show up between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. — San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Low-Income Californians Could Receive a $600 ‘Golden State Stimulus’ Check Under State’s Proposed Recovery Package
A McDonald’s franchisee was fined $125,900 after firing four employees who spoke out about the restaurant’s lack of COVID-19 safety protocols.
Los Angeles County health officials reported 2,394 new cases of COVID-19 and 162 new deaths Wednesday. Since Feb. 9, case numbers have declined 85% to an average of 2,230 cases a day. — Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislators announced plans to provide a $600 state stimulus payment to low-income residents as part of a $9.6 billion economic recovery package. The state proposal will be expedited for legislative approval next week. — Los Angeles Times
A McDonald’s franchisee was fined more than $125,900 in lost wages and retaliation penalties after firing four employees who protested coronavirus safety conditions at the Boyle Heights restaurant. The California Labor Commissioner issued the fine and ordered the franchise operators to offer the workers their jobs back. “Too many workers fear retaliation if they report a problem or stand up for their rights,” said Labor Commissioner Lilia GarcĂa-Brower in a statement Wednesday. “California law has anti-retaliation protections in place that make it illegal for employers to punish workers for exercising their labor rights, such as reporting a workplace safety hazard” — Los Angeles Times
Santa Ana College became Orange County’s newest vaccination center, administering shots Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Orange County residents who are eligible to receive a vaccine include people 65 and older, health care workers and some law enforcement officers. Appointments are required. — Los Angeles Times
Dignity Health and the L.A. Galaxy teamed up to open a new vaccination site at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. The site will provide first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine all week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required. — ABC Los Angeles
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
L.A. County’s Essential Workers Will Be Able to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine Starting March 1
Some elementary schools in L.A. County may soon be allowed to reopen — if they’ve filed the right paperwork on time.
L.A. County health officials confirmed 1,260 new cases of COVID-19 and 120 deaths Tuesday, noting that the figures may reflect a reporting lag from over the holiday weekend. — Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Around 1.5 million essential workers in L.A. County — with jobs in education, law enforcement, child care and grocery stores — will become eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on March 1, according to health officials. There are plans to use closed vaccination sites to serve specific professions. — Patch
L.A. County has met California’s threshold for allowing elementary schools to reopen, but only those that have already obtained waivers or submitted COVID-19 safety plans will be allowed to do so. Even though the Los Angeles Unified School District has submitted safety plans, Superintendent Austin Beutner maintains that LAUSD schools won’t reopen unless all staff is vaccinated first. — ABC Los Angeles
The L.A. Zoo reopened Tuesday with more COVID-19 safety rules in place to slow the spread of the virus while guests are on the grounds. Masks are required for all guests age 2 and older. The Children’s Zoo, carousel, indoor and enclosed exhibits and indoor dining remain closed. — CBS Los Angeles