Face masks work best when everyone wears them consistently and correctly over their mouth and nose. Face masks protect the wearer and those around them. However, not all face masks offer the same protection.
When choosing a face mask, make sure it:
-
Has two or more layers of breathable, tightly woven material;
-
Completely covers your nose and mouth; and
-
Fits snugly against your face, including on the sides, and has no gaps.
A face mask with a nose wire can keep air from leaking out of the top of the mask, which will also help reduce fogging if you wear glasses.
To improve the fit of medical procedure masks, the CDC recommends fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask (referred to as “double masking”) and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face. It is not recommended to double mask with a KN95 or two disposable masks as this does not improve the fit.
As a reminder, a face mask is NOT a substitute for physical distancing. They are an additional tool against COVID-19.
|
|
L.A. County Travel Advisory and Guidance
Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 during this pandemic. Please do NOT travel if you are sick.
Non-Essential Travel
-
Los Angeles County residents should continue to avoid all non-essential travel and stay within 120 miles from their place of residence, unless they are traveling for essential purposes. "Non-essential travel" includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.
- All non-essential travelers from other states or countries are strongly discouraged from entering the County of Los Angeles and need to self-quarantine.
-
All persons arriving in or returning to the County of Los Angeles from other states or countries, must 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 does not apply to individuals who routinely cross state or country borders solely for the purpose of essential travel.
Quarantine Requirements
If you do travel into Los Angeles County from outside of California, you need to self-quarantine for 10 days after you arrive and must limit your interactions to people in your household/people with whom you live. If you travel into Los Angeles County solely for essential work purposes, you need to still self-quarantine outside of your work for 10 days and ensure you do not mix with others outside of those necessary to conduct your essential work.
To read the full Travel Advisory and Guidance, click here.
|
|
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. Unfortunately, with limited vaccine supply, there are not enough appointments available to meet demand.
How to make an appointment:
- 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.
-
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.
|
|
FAQs about Getting Vaccinated
Are the vaccines effective against variants?
Yes, both the FDA and CDC confirm that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective against variants.
-
While the FDA continues to develop an understanding of and address any impact of variants on FDA-regulated products, at this time, available information suggests that the authorized vaccines remain effective in protecting the American public against currently circulating strains of COVID-19. Source: FDA
-
Studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway. Source: CDC
If I am vaccinated, do I still need to quarantine?
The California Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health support the new CDC recommendation that fully vaccinated persons with an exposure to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they meet the following criteria:
- it has been more than 2 weeks since the final dose,
-
they are within 3 months of having received the final vaccine dose, and
- they have remained asymptomatic since the exposure.
Fully vaccinated persons who do not quarantine should still watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If they experience symptoms, they should be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, including testing, if indicated. All vaccinated persons must continue all precautions including masking, physical distancing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
For answers to more frequently asked questions and tips to make your vaccine appointment, visit bchd.org/covidvaccine.
|
|
Timeline for Vaccinating Phase 1B, Tier 1
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health prepares to open up eligibility for the vaccine to three additional sectors starting on March 1 – education and childcare, food and agriculture, and first responders and law enforcement – the County is working with partners to address challenges in vaccinating the more than 1.8 million workers that will be eligible for the vaccine.
|
|
Vaccine for 16-64 year olds with severe health conditions
Beginning March 15, healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals age 16-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 as a direct result of one or more of the following severe health conditions:
- Cancer, current with debilitated or immunocompromised state
- Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above
- Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen dependent
- Down syndrome
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (excludes hypertension)
- Severe obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 40 kg/m2)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%
OR
If as a result of a developmental or other severe high-risk disability one or more of the following applies:
- The individual is likely to develop severe life-threatening illness or death from COVID-19 infection
- Acquiring COVID-19 will limit the individual's ability to receive ongoing care or services vital to their well-being and survival
- Providing adequate and timely COVID-19 care will be particularly challenging as a result of the individual's disability
|
|
Reopening Schools in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County’s adjusted case rate has remained under 25 new cases per 100,000 people for more than five consecutive days, meeting the state requirements for schools to open on-site learning for grades TK through 6 if they are in full compliance with state and county directives. All schools wishing to reopen must submit plans to the County Department of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health certifying that they have implemented a full range of safety measures to permit a safe reopening. While Beach Cities school districts reopened for in-person instruction for K-2 in early February, this will allow more students in grades 3-5 to return to campus.
|
|
Latest Health Officer Order
On February 10, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health updated the Health Officer Order. In light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and the subsequent change made by the State related to Places of Worship in Tier 1, Places of Worship can open for indoor services limited to 25% of indoor capacity and must continue to comply with the required modifications provided by Appendix A.
|
|
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.
|
|
Eat Local: Healthy Meal Delivery |
|
|
Health Information & Referrals |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Apply to be a Community Advisor on BCHD's Properties Committee
Applicants must be a resident of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Deadline to apply is noon on Monday, March 1
|
|
|
Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 24
6:30 p.m.
|
|
|
Parents’ Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy and Resilient Children
Presented in partnership with South Bay Mommies and Daddies, this five-part video series is designed for parents of children ages 0-6. Topics include mindful parenting, establishing healthy sleeping habits, early childhood nutrition and creating structure & fostering responsibility.
Thursday, February 25
7 p.m.
Promoting Kindness & Compassion Starting at a Young Age
Hosted by: Laura Nickerson
Special Guest: Stacey Freeman, Ph.D.
|
|
|
B-Well Together
The B-Well Together campaign is presented in partnership with BCHD and BeachLife Festival as a program offering mental health tools to increase happiness during COVID-19. The campaign will feature celebrity appearances, social media videos, 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
|
|
|
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, March 9
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
|
|
|
FREE Virtual Hypertension Workshop
Join Dr. Joshua Chou for a virtual workshop to learn all about hypertension. Login info will be shared after you register.
Wednesday, March 10
1 – 1:55 p.m.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
#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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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)
-
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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. |
|
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.
|
|
For more information about COVID-19, visit:
|
|
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:
|
|
A Community Wellness Pavilion with public meeting spaces, demonstration kitchen, modernized Center for Health & Fitness, aquatics and more.
|
|
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare/Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and social services to older adults.
|
|
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.
|
|
Smaller New Building Area: New on-campus building area drops 18%
|
|
Less Construction Time: Active construction time is shortened from nine to five years in two phases (instead of three).
|
|
2.5 acres of open space for programming to replace acres of asphalt.
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Healthy Living Campus: |
|
Why do the Beach Cities need a Healthy Living Campus? |
|
How has BCHD engaged the community around the Healthy Living Campus? |
|
What is PACE and what are the benefits? |
|
Is there a need for seismic upgrades? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
