Friday, July 24, 2020
The Los Angeles Police Department reported the first instance of an officer dying from COVID-19.
L.A. County reported more than 1,900 new cases of the coronavirus, as well as 44 new related deaths. “Even with incomplete case and hospitalization data, we are seeing too much community spread of this virus, which means many of our friends, family and neighbors are sick and suffering,” said Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County director of public health. “Wear a face covering, don’t gather with people you don’t live with and stay home as much as possible. The health of our community truly is a collective effort.” — L.A. Times
A Los Angeles Police Department patrol officer became the first sworn officer to die after contracting COVID-19. He is survived by his partner Megan Flynn, who is 20 weeks pregnant with twins, as well as by his mother and siblings, officials said. — KTLA
Inspectors from the Department of Building and Safety issued fines to businesses that displayed signs without permits. The signs were meant to let customers know the businesses were open during the pandemic. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the city will waive the fines and temporarily waive the permit requirement. — ABC 7
Here’s what you need to know to apply for the L.A. Regional COVID-19 Relief Fund for small businesses, non-profit organizations and micro-entrepreneurs. — NBC 4
Thursday, July 23, 2020
COVID-19 on Track to Become Second-Leading Cause of Death in L.A.
Businesses that fail to enact infection control measures will face fines in a new plan by the L.A. Public Health Department.
California tops 8,000 COVID-19 related deaths as the state reports the highest number of confirmed cases in the nation. — L.A. Times
As California overtakes New York as the state with the highest number of coronavirus cases, L.A. County health officials say the virus is on track to become the second-leading cause of death in the county — with at least 3,400 fatalities in the first six months of the year. — CNN
Businesses that continue to violate Health Officer Orders will face citations and fines through a new tiered compliance and enforcement plan revealed by the L.A. Public Health Department. Fines will range from $100 for a first offense to $500 and a 30-day permit suspension for multiple offenses. — Deadline
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the state has authorized local health departments to grant waivers to individual school districts that want to resume in-person classes for elementary school students after meeting “strict guidelines.” — ABC 7
Clothing manufacturer Los Angeles Apparel reopened for business following the single largest COVID-19 outbreak in the city so far. The facility closed after 375 employees tested positive for the virus, four of whom died. Officials say employees have been trained to keep their distance and wear face masks. — CBS Los Angeles
Check out a rough draft of the GOP’s relief bill proposal currently circulating Congress. — Business Insider
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
L.A. County Officials: No Shutdown This Week
The federal government purchased the first 100 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine currently being developed by Pfizer.
“We need to assume that COVID-19 is everywhere right now,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti as he reported 3,266 new cases in the region, bringing the total to 164,870. — Deadline
Meanwhile, cases in California continue to surge, with 12,807 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Approximately, 7,170 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized statewide as of Tuesday, with 2,058 in intensive care, according to the state Department of Public Health. — L.A. Times
There’s no shelter-in-place order coming this week, according to L.A. County public health director Barbara Ferrer, even as California leads the U.S. in COVID-19 infections and deaths. — Eater Los Angeles
In a $1.95 billion deal with drug manufacturers Pfizer and BioNTech, the U.S. government secured the first 100 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine currently being developed, with an option to purchase another 500 million later on. The deal is part of President Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed program. Americans will receive the vaccine for free, the companies said. — L.A. Times
According to a small study led by UCLA researchers, antibodies developed from a mild case of COVID-19 appear to drop within the first three months after infection and could disappear within about a year. The researchers said the findings should prompt caution regarding heard immunity. — CBS Los Angeles
It would seem many residents of Huntington Beach flat out reject the idea of wearing a face mask. — L.A. Times
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Most of California’s COVID-19 Cases are People Under the Age of 49
Cities across Southern California are enacting tighter restrictions regarding face coverings and large gatherings.
Almost 70% of the state’s 400,769 COVID-19 cases are individuals under the age of 49. — SFGate
From $100 to $500, here are the Southern California cities handing out fines to those not obeying local face mask requirements. — NBC Los Angeles
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a spending plan for $1.22 billion in federal and state coronavirus relief funds. “This funding comes at a critical time for Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This plan addresses our ability to provide essential services, expand testing, contract tracing and meet tangible needs for working families and small businesses who are struggling and increasingly bearing the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic.” — NBC Los Angeles
The city of Calabasas issued tighter restrictions, including a $100 fine for not wearing a face covering. The mayor also spoke out against a party hosted by YouTube star Jake Paul, where attendants were not physically distanced and did not appear to be wearing masks. “The warning period is over that no one should be having large parties in the city of Calabasas,” said Mayor Alicia Weintraub. — CBS Los Angeles
Monday, July 20, 2020
We Opened Too Quickly
As Los Angeles continues to teeter into another stay-at-home order, Mayor Eric Garcetti admits the push to reopen the city happened “too quickly.”
On CNN, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said what we’ve all been waiting to hear regarding how quickly L.A. moved up timelines to reopen businesses: “I do agree those things happened too quickly.” — Los Angeles Daily News
At least 15 children in L.A. have been diagnosed with the inflammatory syndrome believed to be connected to the coronavirus. — KNX 1070
U.S. military personnel have been dispatched to five different California hospitals to help with rising patient counts. — The Guardian
On a lighter note, for those with boats who can afford the luxury of social distancing at sea, Australian events company Beyond Cinema is launching boat-in floating theaters in September and October. — CBS Los Angeles