January 11, 2022
Thank You for Making Our Holiday Gift Bag Project Possible!
With the support of generous community donors and volunteers, the 2021 Holiday Gift Bag project provided 265 bags filled with essential household items to Beach Cities older adults and adults with disabilities. Thank you to everyone who made this possible— we couldn't have done it without you.

Learn More about the Project at www.bchd.org/holidaygiftbags.
Since August 2021, BCHD has provided COVID-19 testing for Beach Cities students, staff and city employees. Due to increased demand, both pre-registration and walk-ins are now being accepted for these specific groups through Friday, Jan. 14. For questions, please call our School Well-Being Line at (310) 374-3426, option 2, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
Updated Health Officer Order 
(Issued Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022)
Brief Highlights:
  • Masks must be worn at all times while indoors at Cardrooms. Patrons may remove masks only when actively eating or drinking in designated dining areas and may not consume food or beverage while playing or gaming.
  • As soon as possible, but no later than January 17, 2022, employers are required to provide their employees, who work indoors and in close contact with other workers or the public, with and require them to wear a well-fitting medical grade mask, surgical mask or higher-level respirator, such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator or KN95, at all times while indoors at the worksite or facility.
  • In alignment with the State Public Health Officer’s December 31, 2021 Order, beginning January 15, 2022, attendance thresholds are lowered to 500 attendees for Indoor Mega Events and lowered to 5,000 attendees for Outdoor Mega Events.
  • Recognizing the protection provided by masking while indoors and in crowded settings, there is a strong recommendation that at Mega Events, Performance Venues, Movie Theatres and Entertainment Venues, food and drink only be consumed, where possible, in designated dining areas.
  • Mega Events, Performance Venues, Movie Theatres and Entertainment Venues are responsible for messaging, signage and compliance with masking requirement unless spectators/customers are actively eating or drinking.
Revised Isolation Order
WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO IF YOU HAVE COVID-19
  1. Self-isolate for at least 5 days or longer, and
  2. Identify your close contacts to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (“Public Health”) when interviewed by Public Health for purposes of contact tracing, and
  3. Tell your close contacts that they have been exposed and need to follow the Instructions for Close Contacts to COVID-19 (if you have a positive viral test for COVID-19), and
  4. Contact Public Health at (833) 540-0473 within 24 hours of receiving this Order, unless you have already completed a contact tracing interview, and
  5. Follow all instructions in this Order.
Revised Quarantine Order
WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH A PERSON WHO HAS COVID-19
  1. Self-quarantine if you are not exempt, and
  2. Monitor your health for 10 days, and
  3. Contact the Public Health at (833) 540-0473 within 24 hours of receiving this Order, unless you have already completed a contact tracing interview, and
  4. Follow all other instructions in this Order.
Latest Recommendations Regarding Vaccine Eligibility
  • Individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for their primary series are now eligible for their booster 5 months after their 2nd vaccine.
  • Individuals 12-15 years old are now eligible for boosters, 5 months after their 2nd shot.
  • Individuals 5-11 years old who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for an additional primary dose 28 days after their 2nd dose.
  • Individuals are considered “up to date” with their COVID-19 vaccines if…
  • they have received their primary series and are not yet eligible for their booster OR
  • they have received their booster.
  • The definition of fully vaccinated has not changed but the quarantine requirements in Los Angeles County are now different based on whether an individual is “up to date” or not:
  • Individuals who are exposed and up to date do NOT need to quarantine, but testing is recommended and they should wear a medical grade mask for 10 days inside and outside
  • Individuals who are exposed and NOT up to date must quarantine

Upgrade Your Mask
Good fit and filtration continue to be the best way to get the most out of your mask. The best masks for preventing COVID-19 include the N95, KN95 and KF94. If you don’t have access to one of these masks, wear a surgical mask or a surgical mask with a cloth mask on top. If you choose a fabric mask, opt for one with three or more cloth layers. No matter what kind of mask you wear, check the fit by avoiding gaps above the nose or on the sides.
The Emergency Room is for Emergency Medical Care
While we continue to experience the surge in cases, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reminding residents to avoid visiting the emergency room unless they need emergency medical care. Residents should not be visiting the emergency department solely to get a COVID-19 test or for minor complaints that could be resolved through their primary care physician. Emergency room visits should be reserved for those patients who are feeling severely ill – for example, those who are short of breath – or who have serious concerns about their health and who require immediate emergency care. 
88%
91%
87%
Percent (%) of population 5+ vaccinated with at least 1 dose
As of January 2, 2022
Covered California Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for Covered California is open! If you're in need of health insurance, make sure to sign up before the Jan. 31 deadline. BCHD is also available to help and offering FREE enrollment appointments.
Invite a Friend to the
Center for Health & Fitness: FREE 3-Day Pass
Lacking motivation to get to the gym? Then grab a friend, make a gym date and hold each other accountable. Having a workout buddy will make exercise more fun, keep you on schedule and get you out of your fitness rut. Ask about a 3-day complimentary pass for a friend today! 
AdventurePlex Winter Camp
Seasonal Camps are a great way to keep your child entertained and engaged during school breaks. AdventurePlex offers single-day or week-camp registration! Space is limited and we will sell out. Sign up early!  
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(extended care available)
January 17
February 21 - 25
Virtual Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager Charlotte Barnett
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 & Third Tuesday of the Month
(January 18 and February 1)
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
BCHD holds public board meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except Aug. and Dec.). 
Wednesday, January 26
6:30 p.m.
Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In
Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor.
First Wednesday of the Month
(February 2)
4 – 4:30 p.m.
Virtual Happiness Chats
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Second Tuesday of the Month
(February 8)
12:30 – 1 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.
Tuesdays
10 – 11 a.m.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs help with health-related information and referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, and press option 1, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.