COVID-19 News

Safer at Home

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services recently announced a “Safer at Home” order restricting and limiting gathering among people to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Some people who contract COVID-19 have no symptoms, or have mild symptoms, and can transmit the disease without being aware that they carry the virus.

Thus, residents are to limit gatherings to 2 to 9 people and take steps to reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus, including:

• standing at least six feet apart.
• making hand-washing stations or hand-sanitizer available.
• covering one’s cough using one’s elbow or a tissue.
• not touching one’s face with unwashed hands.

Essential businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants (take-out or delivery), health services, pharmacies, banks and gas stations, and government services will remain open. Port operations, airport operations and critical transportation services will remain open, as will the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Non-essential businesses, playgrounds and enclosed shopping centers will close. The list of essential businesses is outlined in the emergency order found at www.longbeach.gov/COVID19.

The Long Beach order identifies personal grooming services as non-essential. Personal grooming services that are not considered essential include, but are not limited to:

• Hair salons/barber shops
• Nail salons
• Waxing services
• Cosmetology
• Spa services, such as facials, massages, and body scrubs
• Electrolysis

The city provided clarification regarding the classification of the following businesses/services:

• Gyms and fitness centers - Non-essential business
• Medical cannabis dispensaries - Essential business
• Bakeries - Essential business

On Sunday, the city confirmed the closure of sports facilities in Long Beach parks and beaches and asking the community not to gather in open spaces throughout the city.

Research suggests that COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus disease, can remain on some surfaces for up to 72 hours and therefore presents an invisible risk.

The following city facilities are now closed:

• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts
• Volleyball courts
• Dog parks
• Playgrounds
• Skate parks
• Picnic areas

Group exercise in parks

People may engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, and to the health and safety of their family members and pets. Outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running, are allowed; however, people should continue to follow social distancing guidelines for their safety and the safety of others.

The Health Department continues to urge individuals to contact their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or a dry cough, and providers are compelled to report any suspected cases of COVID-19 to the Health Department immediately.

Additionally, the state has released new guidance as it relates to Alcohol Beverage restrictions and suspending enforcement of specific legal prohibitions for businesses that are currently permitted to sell alcohol. These provisions allow on-sale retailers to sell for off-site consumption, sales of alcoholic beverages to go and permit drive-thru service. For more information on the new state guidelines visit https://www.abc.ca.gov/notice-of-regulatory-relief.

For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Remote Instruction/Online

The Long Beach Community College District has determined that the remaining Spring 2020 Semester will continue through remote instruction/online only.

This decision was made by campus officials in order to limit any transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). No cases have been identified at either campus.

There is also a high likelihood that LBCC’s Summer Sessions will be conducted solely online.

“Deep cleaning, social distancing and rapid efforts to switch faculty and staff to effective remote working environments have been a priority for everyone at LBCC and I am so proud of how they have responded,” said LBCCD Interim Superintendent-President Lou Anne Bynum.

Long Beach City College is currently closed to students and members of the public. College facilities will not be available for use.

LBCC converted most face-to-face classes to remote instruction through Canvas, ConferZoom and other modalities. LBCC students and faculty can find helpful guides to assist them at www.LBCC.edu/Coronavirus.

The new anticipated date of return to campus for LBCC employees (with exception of those who have been deemed essential personnel) is Monday, June 8. The anticipated date of return for students and the members of the public to campus is the first day of Summer Session on Wed., June 10. However, these dates may change as the COVID-19 health crisis evolves. LBCC will update the campus community on the dates of return.

LBCC Child Development Centers are closed until further notice.

A decision about the 2020 LBCC Commencement Ceremony has not been made at this time.

Visit LBCC’s Coronavirus COVID-19 website at www.LBCC.edu/Coronavirus for COVID-19 updates, resources and technical guides for students, faculty and staff.

Economic Relief Package

The Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to direct city staff to develop an economic resiliency program that would assist Long Beach families, workers and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The council directed the city manager to work with the city attorney’s office and other relevant departments to review a wide-ranging package that will include the following measures:

A moratorium on all COVID-19 related non-payment of rent evictions on commercial and residential units through May 31. Also, a prohibition on late fees and a prohibition on Section 8 terminations by the Housing Authority of Long Beach (HACLB).

Emergency loan assistance programs to small businesses who have suffered significant losses as a result of COVID-19.

A review of sick and disability leave processes and enhancements for city employees who must miss work due to COVID-19.

A possible transit occupancy tax (TOT) or other revenue-sharing opportunity to support hotels experiencing significant economic impacts.

A slate of measures to support laid off or furloughed employees (or those at risk of such actions) through streamlined Employment Development Department processes and assistance for those not eligible for unemployment payment. Policies could also add protection against layoffs or furloughs or give priority when re-hiring commences.

A review of parking meter enforcement policies and options for relief.

A review of the Housing Trust fund and eligible uses of the fund to assist those in need.

Partnerships with financial institutions and lenders to prohibit foreclosures or halt mortgage payments for individuals who have suffered loss of wages as a result of COVID-19.

Potential resources and partnerships to safely assist people under self-quarantine due to COVID-19, prioritizing seniors.

Training opportunities with the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services on COVID-19 prevention for businesses in the tourism and restaurant industries.

Major goals for the Economic Resiliency unit include:

• Coordinating strategy to support economic resiliency.
• Emergency business assistance support programs, including technical assistance.
• Access-to-capital partnership programs, such as emergency loans and grants.
• Income preservation and augmentation, including unemployment insurance and childcare support.
• Employer resiliency programs including layoff aversion and work share.
• Connecting available labor supply with demand, such as irregular work and contract opportunities.
• Temporarily reducing costs for government regulation, such as regulatory cost relief or deferral.
• Residential and commercial housing preservation and retention.
• Industry-specific economic resiliency and recovery programs, including customer generation and worker retention.
• Online connectivity for all residents, students and business owners, aligning with the City’s digital inclusion initiative.

An emergency ordinance will come back to City Council soon for adoption. City staff will report back to the council on the feasibility and implementation of the requested items. Businesses and workers impacted by the economic emergency should call (562) 570-4BIZ or visit http://www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/covid-19-business-support to access existing small business loan, technical assistance, and unemployment benefits insurance programs provided by the city.

Free Virtual Urgent Care

Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center announced the launch of a free virtual urgent care service, Virtual Care Anywhere, for anyone in our community experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of the new coronavirus. Virtual urgent care visits are being encouraged as an initial care option for anyone who would like to discuss symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 with a health care professional.

As ambulatory and acute care facilities across the country experience an increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 symptoms, virtual health care visits can help providers meet demand while reducing potential transmission of the coronavirus. The service is a safe and convenient way for people to speak with a medical professional for advice without needing to visit a physical care location.

To use the service, people can simply visit dignityhealth.org/virtualcareanywhere, download the Virtual Care Anywhere app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or call (855) 356-8053 and use the coupon code COVID19. The service has a fee of $35 per visit, and the fee will be waived for any patient who thinks they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. After requesting a virtual care visit, a provider will contact the patient once they are available, typically within 15-30 minutes, although high demand may result in longer wait times. The service is on-

Health care experts are recommending virtual urgent care for patients with less severe symptoms of COVID-19, such as low-grade fever, a cough, or shortness of breath. People with mild symptoms who are evaluated virtually by a medical professional can avoid interacting with others and ensure they receive the appropriate level of care in the right setting.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a high fever or difficulty breathing, should call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. Dignity Health encourages people to call their medical facility in advance to notify the care team of any COVID-19 symptoms before visiting in person.

Job Center Remains Open

The WorkPlace job center will remain open to assist Long Beach families, workers and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Managed by the Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, The WorkPlace job center provides services to workers seeking information about job openings, vocational training, unemployment insurance benefits and additional workforce opportunities in Long Beach, Signal Hill and the Los Angeles Harbor communities. 

Services at The WorkPlace include:

Job search assistance with connections to employers who are hiring.

Career counseling and vocational training to help individuals make long-term plans and connect to growing sectors of the economy.

Information about special state, county and city programs for workers who face potential layoffs and downsizing.

Information sessions take place on weekdays 9-11 a.m. In accordance with social distancing protocols associated with COVID-19, orientations will be limited to nine individuals, while one-on-one counseling sessions will take place by phone. These resources and additional updates will be presented at 2 p.m. on weekdays during a live feed from the Pacific Gateway’s Instagram account @pacgateway. 

Information about small business loans, business consulting and other programs can be found at www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/covid-19-business-support/.  

Businesses seeking applications to state, federal and city loan programs, WorkShare employment program and other support services can call the City’s Economic Development Department’s business hotline at (562) 570-4BIZ (4249) or visit www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/covid-19-business-support/.

Flatten the Curve

California State Parks announced the launch of a new social media campaign titled “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” to remind the public to practice social distancing when visiting state parks or any outdoor area. The website www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve includes important social media messages in English and Spanish that highlight safe ways to enjoy parks, such as not congregating in groups, maintaining a social distance of six feet or more when recreating in the outdoors, and staying home if you are sick.

Now more than ever, State Parks understands the public’s need to enjoy the benefits of nature during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic situation. Spending time in the outdoors can lead to a number of overall health and wellness benefits like lessening anxiety, boosting creativity and getting vitamin D. This is why Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Stay at Home” order allows Californians to walk, hike and bike in the outdoors provided that people practice social distancing. If visitors cannot maintain social distancing of six feet or more when recreating in the outdoors, they need to leave the park. During these difficult times, protecting park staff, volunteers, partners and visitors from the exposure to coronavirus is critical.

The department is monitoring the coronavirus situation closely and is following guidance provided by the governor’s office via the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

In response, State Parks has proactively taken the following measures:

• High public use indoor facilities – including museums, visitor centers and cafes – have been closed until further notice.
• Campgrounds across the state have been closed until further notice. All current reservation holders affected by the temporary closures have received a notification from ReserveCalifornia of their cancellation and refunds will be provided. State Parks appreciates the patience of the public as it moves along this process.
• State Park staff are reminding the public about the importance of social distancing.
• Cancellations of all events in the state park system until further notice.
• No new event applications or requests to postpone already-approved events will be accepted until further notice.
• Public facing facilities, such as restrooms, are being cleaned more frequently per recommended protocols. Additionally, employee offices and facilities are being disinfected before and after work for use by essential employees.

Non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open. Day-use restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to bring soap for handwashing and to use alcohol-based sanitizers when water is not available.

Follow State Parks on social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the most up-to-date information on how the department is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phishing on the Rise

Be alert for scammers trying to cash in during the coronavirus pandemic by sending phishing emails to steal your personal and financial information, according to LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey.

In the Email Phishing Scam, fraudsters pose as health authorities, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They send phishing emails that could load malware onto your devices and steal your information, including passwords and usernames.

These tips were offered:

• Verify the validity of companies, charities or individuals sending you information about the coronavirus. Inspect all URLs carefully to see if they are from legitimate websites.
• Be suspicious of anyone emailing you offers for supplies or treatments for coronavirus or who requests your personal information. Look out for typos and grammatical errors.
• Keep anti-malware and anti-virus software updated on your computer.
• Report suspected fraudulent activity to law enforcement.

Disaster Assistance Now Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to all California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced.

SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.

“Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 16, 2020.

For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus.

Goodwill Enhances Cleaning Standards

Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (Goodwill SOLAC) wants to assure its customers that it has enhanced its cleaning standards and also announced that it has instituted new hours to allow flexibility for their employees during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The health and safety of our employees and our community is our priority,” said President & CEO Janet McCarthy. “We are closely monitoring the situation and taking action in all of our store locations and facilities across Southern Los Angeles County. To ensure the safety of our employees and the public, we are enacting these changes effective March 17, 2020.”

McCarthy said all Goodwill SOLAC locations will be open for reduced hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until further notice.

McCarthy said that all employees will be given flexibility to address scheduling challenges stemming from the COVID-19 virus, including school closures, childcare, and/or other related items, and Goodwill SOLAC will make all efforts to accommodate employee needs.

“The events surrounding COVID-19 are changing daily. As developments occur, Goodwill SOLAC’s Leadership Team will continue to communicate to the public as frequently as possible,” said McCarthy.

For more information, contact Goodwill SOLAC at 1-562-435-3411 x222.

GoFundMe Provides Tips for Donors

As California responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, GoFundMe engaged state officials to ensure that the money raised on GoFundMe will get to those who need it most. The giving community always steps up in times of need, and these steps ensure their generosity is protected.

After seeing an increase in fundraising efforts in California, GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety Team engaged officials on the steps taken to protect donors and recipients and outlined the “GoFundMe Guarantee” at www.gofundme.com that all of the funds raised on GoFundMe will get to the right place.

One of the main points of focus is the fact that GoFundMe has the ability to transfer funds directly to those in need, quickly. When a campaign is created to help another person or family, the funds are collected, held, and then transferred directly to the beneficiary of the GoFundMe rather than to the campaign organizer. That’s just one of the many ways they secure the platform and make sure the money quickly gets into the right hands.

Additionally, when a GoFundMe is created for a non-profit organization, all of the money raised is transferred directly to the organization.