Friday, October 2, 2020
A Southern California church attempted to challenge the governor’s ban on indoor services.
President Donald Trump has arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he will stay for several days “out of an abundance of caution” and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts. Official sources said Trump has been fatigued and exhibited mild symptoms. He and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. Trump had been planning a trip to Los Angeles next week. — L.A. Times, ABC Los Angeles, NPR
California has added a new equity-driven reopening requirement designed to reduce infections among low-income, Black, Latino and Pacific Islander residents. — KTLA
Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center has received a $57,120 fine for unsafe employee exposure to COVID-19 — in April, one of their nurses died from the virus. — L.A. Times
A federal appeals court upheld the governor’s COVID-19 ban on indoor church services, which was challenged by a Pasadena-based church. — L.A. Times
Thursday, October 1, 2020
5 L.A. Grocery Stores Cited for Breaking COVID-19 Safety Rules
New COVID-19 research shows what environmental factors lead to the fast spread of infections.
Four L.A. area Ralphs and one Food 4 Less grocery store — located in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood and Culver City — were cited for violating various COVID-19 safety regulations and endangering employees. — CBS Los Angeles
L.A. Unified School District’s ambitious COVID-19 testing plan will be overseen by a startup run by one of the superintendent’s former business partners. The contract between the new company and LAUSD totals $48.9 million. — L.A. Times, KTLA
The county clarified its rules for drive-in events: Live performances are not allowed, visitors must stay in their vehicles at all times, and food must be provided through a licensed or permitted vendor. — Deadline
According to the largest COVID-19 study to date, just 8% of people with COVID-19 account for 60% of new infections among their contacts. Researchers found that “super-spreading” events — which often take place in poorly-ventilated indoor spaces or keep people in close contact for extended periods of time — likely determine the risk of infection. — L.A. Times
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Indoor Nail Salons, Shopping Malls to Reopen
Adult alcohol consumption has spiked during the COVID-19 lockdown, especially for adult women.
Cal State Long Beach is facing a small COVID-19 outbreak among 22 undergrads caused by off-campus gatherings. — L.A. Times
Indoor nail salons and shopping malls will be allowed to reopen at a reduced capacity over the next 10 days. Casino card rooms, breweries and wineries will be able to reopen for outdoor services. — KTLA, Los Angeles Daily News
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring skilled nursing facilities to report COVID-19-related deaths to health officials within 24 hours. — L.A. Times
Alcohol consumption has increased significantly during the pandemic: by 19% among all adults aged 30 to 59, and by 41% among women. — CBS Los Angeles
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
L.A. K-12 Schools to Remain Closed Until At Least November
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department reported an increase in the number of paintball shootings.
Counties in Southern California are struggling to meet the state’s criteria to move up to a less-restrictive reopening tier. On Tuesday, 10 counties graduated to Tier 2 or Tier 3. L.A. County remains in Tier 1, while Orange and San Diego counties are in Tier 2. — L.A. Times
There’s been a spike in paintball shootings — yes, you read correctly — on the streets of L.A. The LAPD attributes the rise in paintball shootings to COVID-19 restlessness from players whose paintball facilities remain closed. — ABC Los Angeles
L.A. public schools will not reopen until at least November, according to L.A. Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner. Across California, some K-12 students and parents are participating in a weeklong “Zoom out” to protest school closures. — CBS Los Angeles, CBS Los Angeles
Outdoor playgrounds are now allowed to reopen in California. — KTLA
Monday, September 28, 2020
L.A. County Avoids COVID-19 Surge Following Labor Day Weekend
Los Angeles public libraries are now offering a variety of socially distanced community services.
Coronavirus-related hospitalizations are decreasing in L.A. County. While there appears to be no surge caused by Labor Day weekend, health officials said young people continue to drive new COVID-19 transmissions. — L.A. Times, NBC Los Angeles, KTLA
Social distancing has transformed the way political campaigns are taking place. Candidates in the competitive races for the L.A. City Council, the County Board of Supervisors and L.A. Unified school board are substituting Zoom meet-and-greets and “text parties” for door-to-door canvassing. — L.A. Times
You can now borrow materials from L.A. libraries, then sit outside to use free their Wi-Fi and attend various virtual classes. — L.A. Times
Street vendors can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to purchase necessary equipment and permits, thanks to a City Council allocation of federal COVID-19 CARES Act funding. — FOX Los Angeles
L.A. Comic Con organizers are planning an in-person event for December at the 1.2-million-square-foot Los Angeles Convention Center. — Los Angeles Daily News