RHE COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update:
Important update for all City email subscribers
May 19, 2020
The City of Rolling Hills Estates is actively monitoring and listening to the health and policy experts at the federal, state and county levels and taking actions to adhere to requirements or implement policies based upon health expert recommendations.  This important email update is being sent to all City email subscribers to ensure the community is notified.

For important information, please   visit the City’s Coronavirus webpage.

May 19, 2020 Citywide Update
#RHEresilient Weekly Activity: Share Your Garden
Post a photo of your garden on social media with #RHEresilient for a chance to be featured on our Virtual Recreation page!

A winner will be chosen by the end of the week. If you would like to email us your photo, please email [email protected].

"Lettuce" see your green thumb!
Your Blood Could Save Lives

The antibodies of COVID-19-recovered patients could help fight infection in those still suffering from it. The only source of these antibodies is the blood plasma of coronavirus survivors. 

Giving blood plasma to a COVID-19 patient from a person who has healed from it might help the sick person get better faster. But we need more of this plasma to find out. 

The California Department of Public Health has mailed letters, including translation in seven languages, to encourage Californians who have had a positive test to consider donating their plasma to help develop treatments for COVID-19.
Your blood plasma donation could help up to 4 people suffering from COVID-19.

Who can donate COVID-19 plasma?

  • A person who had a test that showed coronavirus infection,
AND
  • Has felt well for at least 14 days,
AND
  • Passes the usual rules for blood donation. 

Most blood centers require a negative swab test if you plan to donate before one month has passed since you recovered. The blood center may also have other rules.

Visit, https://covid19.ca.gov/plasma/ to find a donation center near you.
Local Upcoming Blood Drive Event at Ernie Howlett Park

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School is teaming up with UCLA Health to host a local blood drive at Ernie Howlett Park:

Friday, May 29th
9 am - 3 pm
25851 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rolling Hills Estates
(look for the UCLA Bloodmobile near the tennis courts)

In order to ensure measures are met for appropriate social distancing, please make an appointment in the following ways:
  1. On-line at www.uclahealth.org/gotblood
  2. Over the phone by calling (310) 825-0888, select option 2 and make an appointment for Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
  3. Or through E-mail at [email protected]
City Hall Gradual Reopening
Today, Rolling Hills Estates City Hall began its phased reopening on a limited basis and in line with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidance. Our top priority is preventing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of our community and staff.
 
What we are doing to protect the community and staff: 
 
Visitors to City Hall will be seen by appointment only. Appointments can be made by viewing our  staff directory   and coordinating with the relevant staff member accordingly or contacting (310) 377-1577 .
 
Only one individual/household will be permitted to enter City Hall for their pre-scheduled appointment. Those waiting for a scheduled appointment are invited to wait outside of the building and remain at least six feet from other individuals waiting.
 
While appointments for in-person transactions will be available beginning next week, City staff has developed many alternatives to in-person service to the community including electronic or telephonic options to support your need.  
 
In addition to the above modifications, the City has installed glass partitions at our front-facing counter; the front door will remain open during business hours to prevent the touching of the door handle; Staff will always conduct business while wearing a face covering and maintaining at least a six-foot distance from visitors. The same will be required of visitors. 

Learn more about what we are doing, along with updates on the City's recreational facilities and a community development update, visit our Gradual City Hall Reopening article.
Mental Health Awareness
At last week's City Council meeting, Mayor Schmitz declared the month of May both Maternal Mental Health Awareness M onth and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness

With between 10 to 20% of new and expectant mothers affected by Perinatal Depression, it's critical to recognize the signs. Perinatal Depression and related mood disorders which include depression, anxiety, mania, and psychosis, are pervasive but treatable illnesses and affect all categories of women and teenage girls regardless of age, race, or income level.
Mental Health Awareness

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us. Only one out of two people with a serious form of mental illness or substance use disorder seeks treatment for his or her behavioral health condition. Stigma and fear of discrimination keep many who would benefit from mental health and substance use disorder services from seeking help. Research shows that the most effective way to reduce stigma is through personal contact with someone with a behavioral health condition.

Talk to your doctor about your mental health. They can connect you to services and help.

Additionally, you can contact the Department of Mental Health ACCESS Line at  (800) 854-7771 for 24/7 access to help.

The ACCESS line serves as the primary entry point for mental health services with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Services provided by ACCESS line staff include:

  • Mental health screening and assessment
  • Referral to a service provider
  • Crisis counseling
  • Mobilizing field response teams
  • Linkages to other resources
#RHEreslilent May Monthly Challenge
The City's Community Services staff continues to develop fun challenges for you each week. This week, we invite you to keeping walking with our 10k steps challenge - a fun fitness challenge promoting health and well-being!

Download a Walking Journal online at  RHE.city/virtualrec. Start the 30-day steps challenge at home, around the neighborhood, local walking trail or park.
Remember these tips for social distancing outdoors:

  • Keep six feet of space between yourself and others
  • Walk by yourself or those in your household 
  • Avoid crowded areas
  • Always warm-up and stretch before any exercise activity
  • Drink water to stay hydrated 
  • Obey all traffic laws while on public roadways. 

#RHEresilient
Face Coverings: When and How To Wear Them
When

LA County's Health Officer Order does not require wearing face coverings while in the backyard or while on a solitary run or walk. County residents are required, however, to wear face coverings when in contact with other people who are not household members (whether you're in a public or private space). So, if you're on a solitary run or walk - and you see someone approaching - put on your face covering! 
And remember: face coverings are not a substitute for always practicing physical distancing & frequent hand washing.

Some tips:

  1. Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of your face.
  2. Is secured with ties or ear loops.
  3. Includes multiple layers of fabric.
  4. Allows for breathing without restriction.
  5. Is able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
  6. Covers mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask.

Also, while wearing your face covering be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing your face covering. And you should wash your hands immediately before putting it on and after removing it.

And because many have run into the challenge of foggy glasses, while wearing face coverings, we offer you...

Tips for Avoiding Foggy Glasses When Wearing Your Face Covering:

  1. Wash your glasses with soapy water. Research has shown that washing glasses with soapy water, and letting them air dry before putting on your mask, reduces fogging.
  2. Use tissue paper. Placing tissue paper between your glasses and the bridge of your nose may help absorb the moisture that causes foggy glasses. 

For more information on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 emergency health crisis, visit  covid19.lacounty.gov . 
Are you a senior or disabled Rolling Hills Estates resident in need of assistance?

Let us know.... please call City Hall at (310) 377-1577 during regular business hours, Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We are here to help.
PVLD Senior Resources

The Palos Verdes Library District has developed many resources for seniors, including getting started with tech, frequently asked reference questions, eBooklists and more! Check it out at pvld.org/seniors
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 76 new deaths and 1,183 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Fifty-two people who died were over the age of 65 years old; 19 people who died were between the ages of 41 to 65 years old, and two people who died were between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Sixty-four people had underlying health conditions including 48 people over the age of 65 years old, 14 people between the ages of 41 to 65 years old, and two people between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. One death was reported by the City of Long Beach and two deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.

To date, Public Health has identified 39,573 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County, and a total of 1,913 deaths. Ninety-two percent of people who died had underlying health conditions. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 1,722 people (99 percent of the cases); 39% of deaths occurred among Latinx residents, 29% among White residents, 18% among Asian residents, 12% among African American residents, 1% among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander residents and 1% among residents identifying with other races. Upon further investigation, 61 cases and two deaths reported earlier were not LA County residents. As of today, 5,914 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (15% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. There are 1,549 people who are currently hospitalized, 27% of these people are in the ICU and 19% are on ventilators. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for nearly 359,000 individuals and 9% of people testing positive.

Pleas e note: As of May 19, 2020, the City of Rolling Hills Estates has thirteen (13) confirmed cases.

More Information and Resources Available
COVID-19 Updates
Residents and businesses can continue to monitor the City's dedicated COVID-19 Updates webpage, which has been newly redesigned for ease-of-use and increased resource information at RHE.city/Covid19 .

Here you will find latest updates, information for seniors and businesses, information on utilities, current status of local restaurants, etc.

The City is working diligently to identify additional resources for the community, especially for our high risk seniors.
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