For the patients who have contracted COVID-19, the symptoms can vary tremendously. Some people are asymptomatic, for others it’s like a bad cold. But those who become sick enough to go to the hospital typically experience fever, loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath and more.
Dr. William Kim practices internal medicine in the South Bay and is the Chief Medical Advisor for Beach Cities Health District (BCHD). He’s seen many COVID-19 patients since last March.
“One patient from Manhattan Beach is in his 80s, overweight and diabetic. One Thursday, he started to feel bad; on Friday, he felt so lousy he could hardly get home after a trip to the grocery store,” said Kim. “Luckily, his caregiver came to his home the next day – his temperature was 103.5 and he was very short of breath.”
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Let's B-Well Together
We're here to support your mental health and happiness
during these challenging times
The B-Well Together campaign is presented in partnership with Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and The BeachLife Festival as a program offering mental health tools to increase happiness during COVID-19.
The campaign will feature celebrity and local luminary appearances, social media vignettes, livestream performances and community engagement.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 - 7 p.m.
LIVESTREAM featuring performances by Wais Katubadrau & Olivia Pucci
Saturday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Live Virtual Mental Health & Happiness Workshop
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Vaccine Distribution in the Beach Cities
BCHD continues to work with Los Angeles County and the Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, local healthcare partners and schools to facilitate a local vaccination distribution site. Although BCHD is a registered vaccine provider, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced they are currently awaiting guidance from the State regarding the standardizing and streamlining of vaccine prioritization, dose allocation, and vaccine administration through a centralized third-party administrator, Blue Shield of California. Blue Shield will be tasked with creating a network of approved healthcare providers to manage vaccinations across the state. We will continue working and planning with our partners on the issue and are ready to serve as a local vaccine distributor or host a vaccine distribution site in the future. We’d like to thank all of the community volunteers who’ve reached out to BCHD asking how they can help in these efforts. We will be in touch soon.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Available for Phase 1A and Residents 65+
If you belong to Phase 1A (frontline healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities) or are a Los Angeles County resident aged 65 and older, you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine supply is still extremely limited, and the Department of Public Health urges patience as they work urgently with their federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead. Appointments and doses are limited.
With almost 1.4 million residents aged 65 and older, and between 700,000-800,000 eligible healthcare workers, the number of vaccines required to complete two doses is over 4 million. Unfortunately, with limited vaccine supply, there are not enough appointments available to meet demand.
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How to make an appointment:
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Visit the County’s website to check for and to schedule an appointment for vaccination, which fill up very quickly. Appointments are mandatory. Vaccinations are free.
- Please be patient if there are no available appointments when you first visit the county's website.
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For those without access to a computer or the internet, or with disabilities, a County call center is open daily from 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. to help schedule appointments at 833-540-0473.
- Individuals are encouraged to use the website whenever possible to sign up for an appointment to avoid long wait times on the phone. The County is expanding capacity at the call center but want to urge people that there are long wait times and there is the ability for people to leave their number and get a call back within 24-36 hours. All available appointments are listed on the County’s website. The call center does not have access to any additional appointments.
- You may receive communication from your health care provider with information about COVID-19 vaccinations and how to receive one through your provider.
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For tips on how to make your vaccine appointment and information on vaccination locations, visit bchd.org/covidvaccine.
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FAQs for After You've Been Vaccinated
Should I still follow the public health protocols after I get vaccinated? How long will immunity last after vaccination?
Yes. Although the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are very effective, no vaccine is 100% effective. We also won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work. This is why it remains essential to continue to follow the public health protocols such as staying home as much as possible, wearing face coverings, physically distancing yourself from others you do not live with, washing your hands frequently and avoiding crowds. Vaccines are an additional tool in the fight against COVID-19. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic. Source: CDC
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Know Your Tier
To find out when it's your turn to get vaccinated, residents can visit MyTurn.ca.gov. My Turn is the State's new appointment registration platform. It is currently being piloted in Los Angeles and San Diego counties and is expected to be available statewide in early February. My Turn features a streamlined process for residents eligible to receive the vaccine. The system lets residents know if they are currently eligible and, if they are, can help find and book appointments that are available in their area. The site also alerts people who registered to when appointments open up, or when vaccinations are opening up to additional priority groups.
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State Travel Advisory Still in Effect
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Except in connection with essential travel, Californians should avoid non-essential travel to any part of California more than 120 miles from one's place of residence, or to other states or countries. Avoiding travel reduces the risk of virus transmission, including by reducing the risk that new sources of infection and, potentially, new virus strains will be introduced to California.
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All persons arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries, should self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival, except as necessary to meet urgent critical healthcare staffing needs or to otherwise engage in emergency response. Additionally, this recommendation does not apply to individuals who routinely cross state or country borders for essential travel.
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Do Your Part and Celebrate the Super Bowl Safely
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warns everyone of past tragic consequences of gatherings. In the weeks following every holiday, and many major sporting events, the County experienced increases in cases, and then hospitalizations and deaths. Enjoy the Super Bowl and cheer for your team from your home with those you live with. Connect virtually with friends and please do not gather with people from outside your household to watch the Super Bowl.
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New Health Officer Order
On January 29, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a revised Health Officer Order to allow reopening of some additional businesses with updated protocols and to remove the closure of Lower-Risk Retail Businesses between 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Outdoor dining is allowable with physical distancing and new infection control protocols in place:
- Employees that may come in contact with customers must wear both a face covering and a face shield at all times when interacting with customers and when in customer service areas.
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Outdoor dining table seating must be limited to no more than 6 people per table, all of whom must be from the same household.
- Outdoor tables must be repositioned or removed so that all tables are at least 8 feet apart.
- Televisions or other screens that broadcast programming must remain off.
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Need help?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs help with health-related information and referrals, or errand assistance and meal delivery, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256, seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.
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Eat Local: Healthy Meal Delivery |
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Health Information & Referrals |
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Choose to be Part of the Solution
Take the Safe in the South Bay Individual Pledge
By taking the pledge, you are committing to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by protecting yourself and others. In addition to infection control best practices to keep you safe from COVID-19, you pledge to also focus on ways to care for your body, mind and community as we navigate the pandemic, and this new normal, together.
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Join the Healthy Minds Initiative
BCHD, in partnership with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, is running a study on how proper diet and lifestyle can prevent brain disease. The study has transitioned to a virtual environment in response to COVID-19.
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Decorate a Valentine's Day Card
Download and decorate one of our Valentine's Day cards to share with a friend.
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February is American Heart Month
BCHD is proud to partner with the American Heart Association for American Heart Month and will be offering a variety of health tips and events for you to stay heart healthy. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But there are lifestyle adjustments you can make to prevent heart disease. Adopt these tips for a healthy heart. Learn more.
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Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series
LiveWell During COVID-19: Vaccine 101
Join an esteemed panel of experts to learn up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines and the ways residents, organizations, businesses, schools and the Beach Cities community can support COVID-19 recovery.
Thursday, February 4
5 – 6:30 p.m.
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Virtual Redondo Beach Super Bowl 10K/5K
Run the race on your own and submit your time.
Use code "BCHD2021" to receive $5 off race entry. Use code "AdventurePlex" to get a free kids run & medal available to the first 25 people.
Sunday, February 7
*People leaving their residences must strictly comply with physical distancing, as specified in guidance or protocols established by the County Department of Public Health. This revised temporary order requires all persons wear a face covering or mask over both the nose and mouth whenever they leave their place of residence and are or may be in contact with or walking near or past others who are non-household members in both public and private places, whether indoors or outdoors.
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Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat
A free parent support group led by a licensed professional from the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment at Torrance Memorial Medical Center held in partnership with South Bay Families Connected. Open to all parents.
Mondays
10 – 11 a.m.
*Does not meet Feb. 15
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Virtual Happiness Chat
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Tuesday, February 9
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
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Eating for a Healthy Heart Nutrition Workshop
Enjoy a free workshop on how to eat for better heart health in celebration of February being American heart month.
Thursday, February 11
11 – 11:55 a.m.
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Virtual Social Hour w/ BCHD Care Manager
With many senior centers closed and many older adults unable to socialize, we want to provide a space for people to talk, ask questions and share their experience during COVID-19. Join us if you want to learn more about community resources or BCHD, or if you just want to connect! Open to all.
First and Third Tuesday of the month
(Feb. 16)
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 24
6:30 p.m.
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#LiveWellAtHome with Live Virtual Exercise Classes
Get unlimited access to all Center for Health & Fitness live virtual exercise classes for $32 monthly. Small Group and Personal Training is also available virtually. Learn more.
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Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
Donations will provide assistance to Beach Cities residents who are income qualified with essentials like groceries, household and cleaning supplies, rent and utility bill assistance and durable medical equipment to help keep them safe at home.
Residents wishing to submit donations by check can mail those to Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund, 1200 Del Amo Street, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
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COVID-19 Testing at BCHD Campus 514 N. Prospect Ave.
Los Angeles County testing sites, including the BCHD site, currently uses nasal swab tests. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns healthcare providers and patients that the test made by Curative, an oral swab test, carries a risk of false results, particularly false negative results. The BCHD testing site does not use the oral swab.
Los Angeles County's testing criteria includes:
- Those who have COVID-19 symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
- Those who have had a known exposure to COVID-19, including those who were in close contact with someone with COVID-19
- Those who live or work in a high-risk setting (such as skilled nursing facilities, group homes, residential care facilities and persons experiencing homelessness)
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In accordance with California Department of Health Testing Guidance, testing is also available when there is additional testing capacity if you do not have symptoms and you are an essential worker with frequent contacts with the public in these sectors: health care, emergency services, food and grocery, retail or manufacturing, public transportation, and education. To view a complete list of essential worker groups from the California Department of Public Health, click here.
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If you're unsure if you need a test, check with your health care provider. If you don’t have a health care provider, call 211 to get a referral.
If you are unable to receive testing through your provider, please continue to check the site for availability at Los Angeles County sites, or make an appointment at a Los Angeles City, state-operated or community testing site such as CVS by visiting covid19.lacounty.gov/testing. Tests are free of charge and are by appointment only.
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Note: Testing does not prevent people from transmitting and getting the virus and is not a substitute for physical distancing, wearing face coverings over your nose and mouth, hand washing and avoiding crowds. |
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What to expect after you've been tested for COVID-19
If you are awaiting testing results, you should stay home and act as if you are positive. This means self-isolating for 10 days and 24 hours after fever subsides and symptoms improve. If a person tests positive for COVID-19, they should plan on receiving a call from a contact tracer to discuss how to protect themselves and others, to find out where they may have been, and who they were in close contact with while infectious. If you are positive for COVID-19 and have not yet connected with a public health specialist or need more information on services, call toll-free at 1-833-540-0473. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.
If a person tests negative, they must continue to take every precaution to avoid contracting the virus or spreading the virus to others.
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For more information about COVID-19, visit:
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Healthy Living Campus
Environmental Impact Report Process
The refined draft Healthy Living Campus master plan, presented at the June 17, 2020 BCHD Board of Directors meeting, was developed from more than 60 meetings attended by more than 550 residents and drawing more than 1,000 comments during the last three years regarding elements of the campus.
The Board endorsed a project description to continue the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process — originally started in June 2019 — with the more compact Healthy Living Campus master plan as the basis of the project description. This blueprint will inform the public and project decision-makers about significant environmental effects and identify possible ways to minimize or avoid those effects.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report is expected to be released in early 2021.
The updated, more compact draft master plan includes:
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A Community Wellness Pavilion with public meeting spaces, demonstration kitchen, modernized Center for Health & Fitness, aquatics and more.
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Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare/Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and social services to older adults.
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Fewer Units: Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE) units drop from 420 to 220. Pricing has yet to be determined. One plan being considered will offer 10 percent of units at below market rates.
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Smaller New Building Area: New on-campus building area drops 18%
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Less Construction Time: Active construction time is shortened from nine to five years in two phases (instead of three).
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2.5 acres of open space for programming to replace acres of asphalt.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Healthy Living Campus: |
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Why do the Beach Cities need a Healthy Living Campus? |
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How has BCHD engaged the community around the Healthy Living Campus? |
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What is PACE and what are the benefits? |
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Is there a need for seismic upgrades? |
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