November 18, 2020
Staying Healthy will Make the Holidays Happy in 2020
By Kerianne Lawson, Chief Programs Officer, Beach Cities Health District

I love the holidays - the lights, the decorations, and of course the food. The community seems to sparkle in the dark winter nights. This year, in the midst of the worsening pandemic, it’s no wonder that we’re seeing people bring out their decorations earlier. We could all use more light and sparkle. The holidays are also a time to see family, but in 2020, seeing our families and friends is going to be different. 
An Invitation for Thanksgiving 

The Thanksgiving holiday will likely look and feel different this year. Traditions need to be adapted to practice safe physical distancing, such as navigating technology to host loved ones at the same table virtually.  

Here’s an invitation for you to try activities that will inspire an attitude of gratitude and treat Thanksgiving as a holiday to boost resilience. Giving thanks can include a range of actions, including reflection on what you are grateful for, extending appreciation to others and being intentionally generous and kind. By giving thanks, we are connecting, and through this effort, we are boosting resilience and experiencing benefits to our mental health and happiness. 
With Case Count Rising, Los Angeles County Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions Starting this Weekend
Effective Friday, November 20, Los Angeles County will tighten pandemic safeguards and restrictions as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase significantly. These safeguards and restrictions protect the public health and safety of our residents, and their ability to be served in our hospitals.

COVID-19 cases have more than doubled since the beginning of November and hospitalizations have increased from an average of about 900 a day to well over 1,000 a day in the same time period (Note: information provided via Tuesday, Nov. 17 news release; the revised Health Officer Order - expected later this week - may vary slightly.).

The first measures, effective this Friday (Nov. 20), are:
  • For non-essential businesses permitted to operate indoors—including retail stores, offices, personal care services—occupancy will be limited to 25% maximum capacity.
  • The number of patrons at outdoor restaurants, breweries and wineries will be limited to 50% max outdoor capacity.
  • The number of customers at cardrooms, outdoor mini-golf, go-karts and batting cages will be limited to 50% maximum outdoor capacity.
  • Services at personal care establishments may only be provided by appointment to customers wearing face coverings by staff wearing face coverings.
  • Services that require either the customer or the staff to remove their face covering, such as facials and shaves, are not permitted.
  • Food and drinks cannot be served at these establishments to customers.
  • Restaurants, breweries, wineries, bars, and all other non-essential retail establishments must close from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
  • Outdoor gatherings remain the only gatherings permitted, and they must only include 15 people maximum who are members of no more than 3 households.
Increased COVID-19 Community Transmission
On Wednesday, November 18, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 3,944 new cases of confirmed COVID-19. This marks the highest amount of positive cases in one day, not associated with a backlog of cases, since the summer surge in mid-July. Younger people continue to drive the increase in community transmission. More than 74% of the new cases reported Saturday (Nov. 14) were from people under the age of 50 years old, yet 90% of that day’s reported deaths were over 50 years old. Cases are surging and hospitalizations remain high.

With the holiday season approaching, it remains essential to do all that we can – wear face coverings, stay at least six feet apart from others, wash your hands frequently, self-isolate if you are sick and self-quarantine if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. 
Wearing is Caring
Wearing your cloth face covering protects those around you, as well as yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new scientific brief states that face coverings provide source control and protection for the person who wears the face covering. Read more here.
California Issues Travel Advisory
The state issued a travel advisory on Friday, November 13, in advance of the holiday season. As COVID-19 transmission is increasing in many states and countries, those arriving, or returning to California, from other states or countries should self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. During this time, people should limit their interactions to their immediate household. All Californians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Read the travel advisory here. 
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.
As of 11/17/2020
267
427
663
Free Flu Clinics in the Beach Cities
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, but there is a vaccine for the flu. Flu vaccines are safe and protect against the harmful effects of the flu. As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase, the flu vaccine is especially important as it can help keep people out of the hospital, freeing up critical hospital resources during the pandemic.

If you did not get your flu vaccine yet, there's still time! BCHD has partnered with the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, and South Bay Family Health Care to offer free flu vaccines in the Beach Cities:

Thursday, November 19, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hermosa Beach Community Center

Thursday, December 3, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Redondo Beach Farmer’s Market at Veteran’s Park


Vaccines are an important public health measure to protect the health of not only yourself, but of your community. While Beach Cities Health District strongly recommends that health care providers, individuals, and families follow the ACIP-recommended vaccination schedules, the Health District recognizes that this is a personal choice for individuals and families. Please do your research, educate yourself and talk with your health care provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for you, or if you have any concerns.​
Apply for a Micro Enrichment Grant
Beach Cities Health District's Micro Enrichment grants provide small, one-time project-based health initiatives for up to $5,000 of funding. Micro enrichment grants are awarded twice in the fiscal year with one application window in the fall and one application window in the spring. BCHD will receive fall applications and proposals from now until noon THIS FRIDAY, November 20, 2020. View the application criteria and apply here.
Free Subscription for Headspace
Headspace, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, is offering free subscriptions to access meditations and sleep and movement exercises. Sign up here.
Eat Local: Meals for Home Delivery
We have expanded our errand assistance program to now include affordable and healthy meals for home delivery to vulnerable populations and those safer at home in the Beach Cities. Menus are available online and orders can be placed online or by phone. Learn more at bchd.org/mealdelivery.
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, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.
Virtual Blue Zones Project Cooking Show
Learn about Blue Zones Project inspired food from registered dietitian Marissa Martorana, and get a taste of how to live longer, better.
This month we will highlight healthy, tasty dishes to enjoy during Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 19
4 - 5 p.m.
Virtual Mindfulness Drop-in
Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques the first Wednesday of each month. 
Wednesday, December 2
4 - 4:30 p.m.
Virtual Blue Zones Project Social Hour
Enjoy good company and practice a few Power 9 Principles of Longevity, including Down Shift and Right Tribe. Relax, bring your healthy bites and connect with your community!
Tuesday, December 8
4 - 5 p.m.
Safe in the South Bay Series
BCHD's Safe in the South Bay Series is bringing health experts, cities, chambers, schools and community members together around this fast-moving pandemic. The live-streamed series will cover a variety of COVID-19 topics, including testing, navigating the new normal, mental health and personal resilience. 
Wednesday, December 9
5 - 6 p.m.
Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, December 16
6:30 p.m.
Virtual Mental Health & Happiness: An Introduction to the Series
This introduction provides an overview of the series designed to support well-being through gratitude, empathy, bravery and purpose. Learn techniques to build a practice supporting stress resilience and positive social connections.
 Saturday, December 19
11 a.m. - 12 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.
*Does not meet November 23
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!
Tuesdays
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
#LiveWellAtHome
Get unlimited access to all Center for Health & Fitness live virtual exercise classes for a monthly fee of $32. Small Group Training is also available virtually for $12 per class. 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
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.
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 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.