Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, March 02, 2021
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
COVID-19 UPDATE (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
During this unprecedented pandemic, the City of Carson has had to adhere to Federal, State and County Executive orders, which initially helped slow the spread of the virus but it did so by shutting down our local businesses and severely impacting our economy. Our residents and businesses were directed by the State to follow stay-at-home orders, with the exception of employees who were determined to have an essential job or for residents to shop for essential needs. For the first time in its incorporated history, the City was not allowed to operate in any capacity outside of health measures dictated by the Federal, State and County governments.
As of the preparation of this report on February 23 2021, Los Angeles County Public Health Department has reported 8,957 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the City of Carson, with 1,181,403 cases within Los Angeles County (which includes cases reported by the Long Beach and Pasadena Health Departments). This underreports the actual spread of the virus since those who do not display symptoms or are otherwise mildly impacted have not been tested.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
DISCUSS and PROVIDE direction.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
Southern California’s ICU availability is 14.8%. Los Angeles County is no longer under the regional Stay At Home Order. Los Angeles County still remains in the most restrictive tier (Purple).
California has approximately 17.6% of the over 65 population vaccinated (1st dose). States are continuing to develop strategies to increase the rate of vaccinations. As of the date of this report, the following locations are Vaccine Mega Sites for Los Angeles County: Dodger Stadium, Six Flags Magic Mountain, The Great Western Forum and Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN). All of the LA County sites are being offered to Phases 1A and 1B will begin to be offered as of March 1, 2021.
Vaccine Distribution Center in Carson
On February 15, 2021 through February 19, 2021, Dignity Health operated a vaccination site at the Dignity Health Sports Park for City of Carson residents and others by way of appointment only. This vaccination event was held that week from 8:30am to 4:30pm and vaccinated 4,000 people a day. The site will reopen to distribute the required second shot only for those who received the 1st shot previously.
On February 25, 2021 the City of Carson in collaboration with Carson Pharmacy, provided a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site that administered 225 vaccines for Carson residents who are 65 years of age and older. Due to the success of the “Pop-Up” vaccination site, the City and Carson Pharmacy are looking to collaborate on a weekly basis.
Small Business Programs
The City of Carson, in partnership with the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), launched the Carson Small Business Coronavirus Business Assistance Program to provide support for small business impacted by the COVID-19 virus and associated restrictions. The program has provided technical assistance to businesses seeking Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding (now ended), other loan programs as well as general business assistance in managing this crisis. Businesses in Carson were eligible for emergency loans of up to $30,000 from the City of Carson’s own Loan Program funded with $500,000. With this program winding down, we will shortly provide the City Council with other program options to consider that focus on economic recovery.
City Rental Assistance Program
The City of Carson has created a one-time Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) for individuals and families renting in Carson and financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will continue until funds run out.
The financial assistance is available for up to a maximum of $10,000 per qualified households and based on actual need for monthly rent payment, and does not have to be repaid.
For more information on the ERA program please visit: <http://ci.carson.ca.us/CommunityDevelopment/housing_cdbg.aspx> or call (310) 233-4829.
City Hall
City Hall is operating on Safer Hours and open to public by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 AM to 6 PM. The public is encouraged to utilize online and telephonic services as much as possible.
For the week of February 22 - February 25
|
CITY HALL |
APPOINTMENTS |
|
Human Resources |
2 |
|
Purchasing |
1 |
|
Public Safety |
5 |
|
Building & Safety |
9 |
|
City Clerk/City Treasurer |
4 |
|
Business License |
8 |
|
Community Development |
10 |
|
TOTALS |
39 |
Parks
Parks are open for passive activities (walking, jogging, running) and playgrounds and fitness equipment are available for use. A face-covering and social distancing is required. Outdoor park restrooms are open during operating hours. Tennis courts are open for individuals or members of a single household (face-covering required).
Recreation Programs
Pursuant to the most recent State and County health orders, all Youth and Adult Outdoor Recreational Sports are allowed to be reopened as of February 26, 2021.
Kids Club/Licensed Childcare Programs
Per earlier guidance provided by State and County authorities, the City has reopened and is operating a number of our kids programs, namely Kids Club/Licensed Childcare programs at our parks.
The following table summarizes the number of participants for:
Week of February 22 - February 25, 2021
|
PARK |
ALL DAY |
AFTERNOON |
TOTAL |
|
Calas |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Carson |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Del Amo |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Dolphin |
11 |
0 |
11 |
|
Veterans |
14 |
0 |
14 |
Carson and Los Angeles County Cases per 100K
We are pleased to report that the number of positive COVID-19 cases has been dropping as we move further away from the winter holiday spike. We want to provide a note of caution, however, that there are now a number of variants to the virus circulating that have higher transmission rates than the earlier form of the virus. There is concern that this could result in another increase in positive cases.
Hospitalizations in Los Angeles County
Medical Point of Dispensing (MPOD)
The City, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, has established the Community Center as a Medical Point of Dispensing (MPOD) for the COVID vaccine. The City is actively seeking to be selected as one of the County’s sites.
The biggest limitation to having this site designated is the limited supply of vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, respectively. There are two additional potential Pharmaceutical companies that are close to having vaccines approved for emergency use.
New Approach to Vaccines
Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. They are unlike other vaccines that put a weakened or inactivated germ in our bodies to trigger an immune response. The mRNA vaccines work differently. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein-or even just a piece of a protein-that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies. Importantly, it has been reported that these vaccines will enable us to develop an immune response to the new strains of the virus that have recently been detected and, importantly, will minimize the seriousness of the disease should the vaccinated individual become ill.
Individuals who are apprehensive of potential side effects or have a history of allergies should consult with their physicians regarding their concerns.
In addition to the webinar held by the City on February 11, 2021 featuring UCLA Health Physician Evelyn Curls, MD, MBA, the City plans to partner with California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and others to conduct additional educational workshops to provide public information on the vaccines.
Vaccines with Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA)
|
Pfizer-BioNTech |
Two dose series separated by 21 days. Indicated ages of 16 years and up. EUA issued by FDA on December 11, 2020. |
|
Moderna |
Two dose series separated by 28 days. Indicated ages of 18 years and up. EUA issued by FDA on December 18, 2020. |
Vaccine Phases
|
Phase 1A |
• Healthcare workers • Long-term care residents |
|
Phase 1B |
1B Tier One • Individuals 65 and older • Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors (waiting for vaccination): Education and childcare Emergency services Food and agriculture |
On March 1, the group containing education and childcare, emergency services, food and agriculture will be eligible for the vaccine. For phases after 1B Tier 1, the state is most likely going to move to an age-based strategy. We will share more information when it is available from the CDC and the State.
Those who have completed the vaccine regiment (two shots plus a two-week period following the 2nd shot for the strongest protection) are still being directed to wear a mask and distance. While the vaccine provides a high level of protection for the individual vaccinated from getting the disease associated with this virus, it is believed that the individual can still spread the virus to others.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
Staff costs are being incurred by the City for the coordination, surveillance, communication and management of the COVID-19 local emergency, as well as costs for procuring related services and supplies. City costs are either being covered by existing department appropriations or new appropriations from the General Fund. All costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic are being tracked separately by staff who will continue to pursue all available reimbursements for eligible City costs incurred.
VI. EXHIBITS
N/A
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., Assistant City Manager