Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 21, 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 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 September 13, 2021, Los Angeles County Public Health Department has reported 11,638 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the City of Carson, with 1,427,817 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
1. APPROVE staff recommendation to activate the Human Relations Commission in October 2021.
2. DISCUSS and PROVIDE any further direction.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
As of the date of this report, Los Angeles County has reported that 11,925,403 total vaccine doses have been administered with 6,649,547 individuals completing vaccination. As of the date of this report, 75.7% of Carson residents who are 12 and over have received at least one vaccine dose.
On May 27, 2021, the Disaster Council recommended a resolution to update the City’s Mandated Mask Order to align the City of Carson with the County of Los Angeles and State of California Public Health Officer Orders. The City Council, at the June 1, 2021 meeting, adopted Resolution No. 21-071 and Ordinance No. 21-2115 establishing this modification to Section 2708.1(b) of the Carson Municipal Code.
On June 15, 2021, the State Public Health Officer updated the public health order which rescinded the Stay-At-Home order and the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and also removed all the county tier levels. Under the new order, Mega events (greater than 5,000 indoors and 10,000 outdoors) are required to verify vaccination status or testing of attendees. Mask restrictions were lifted for people who have been fully vaccinated at most locations.
On June 29, 2021, the Los Angeles County Public Health Officer released an updated health order adding language that clarifies that masks can be required for “Any business or government office serving the public that requires everyone to wear a mask.” Additionally, Public Health is now recommending people, whether vaccinated or not, wear masks indoors as concerns over the Delta variant mount.
On July 17, 2021, the Health Officer issued a Health Order re-instate mask restrictions in “all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and businesses (examples: offices, retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, and state and local government offices serving the public, among others.)” to apply to all individuals whether they are vaccinated or not. Social distancing and capacity limit requirements were not part of any additional restrictions imposed.
On August 19, 2021, the Health Officer issued a Health Order requiring all persons at Outdoor Mega Events (events over 10,000 people) to wear a face masks, except when actively eating or drinking.
On August 23, 2021, an updated Health Order added a requirement for Indoor Mega Events (over 1,000 people) to verify COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test for all attendees beginning September 20, 2021. Self-attestation will also no longer be allowed. Additional restrictions were also placed on youth sports including regular testing requirements for what are considered moderate or high risk sports. Youth sports guidelines were again revised on August 30, 2021 to clarify and give additional flexibility to the vaccination and testing requirements.
On September 9, 2021, President Biden is acting through a combination of executive orders and new federal rules. Under his plan, private-sector businesses that have 100 or more employees will have to require vaccination, or mandatory weekly testing, after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration finalizes a rule.
Vaccine Distribution Sites 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, held that week from 8:30am to 4:30pm, vaccinated 4,000 people a day for a total of 20,000 people. The site reopened from March 15 - 19 to distribute the required second shot for those who received the 1st shot previously at that location.
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 have continued to collaborate with additional clinics held on March 18, April 1, 8, and 27. Effective April 20th, the City of Carson in collaboration with Carson Pharmacy is providing a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site every Tuesday and Thursday of each month for the remainder of 2021.
On April 10, 2021, the City of Carson in collaboration with CARE Ambulance provided a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site at the Community Center that administered 500 vaccines for Carson residents.
On April 14th, the City of Carson in collaboration with Behavioral Health Services, Inc. provided a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site at Veterans’ Sports Complex with 1,000 vaccines administered.
On April 14th and 15th, 2021, the City of Carson in collaboration with Tri-State Community Healthcare provided a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site at Stevenson Park with 150 vaccines administered on each day.
On April 21st and 22nd, 2021, the City of Carson in collaboration with Tri-State Community Healthcare provided a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site for a second week at Stevenson Park with 300 vaccines administered each day.
On Saturday, June 5th, 2021, the City of Carson in collaboration with Nikkei Credit Union/Mabuhay Credit Union provided a “Pop-Up” Covid-19 vaccination site at the Community Center with 500 Pfizer vaccines made available for those in need of their 1st shot. On June 26th, 2021, the 2nd shot for this “Pop-up” vaccination site was administered.
Due to the successful vaccination of over 70% of Carson’s 16 and over population, demand for vaccinations provided by the Carson Pharmacy at the Community Center has decreased substantially. Residents who are seeking vaccinations can secure an appointment with Behavioral Health Services for vaccination events held at the Veterans Sports Complex, or directly from Carson Pharmacy who has all three vaccines in stock for walk-up visits at their storefront location at 21720 S. Vermont Ave.
Through a partnership with County Public Health and Fulgent Genetics, a series of mobile vaccination sites were held at city parks on July 24, 27, 28, and 30. These sites were available for walk-up vaccinations with second shot clinics held on August 14, 17, 18, and 20.
CSU Dominguez Hills and Rite Aid held a COVID-19 vaccination pop-up clinic on August 26 and September 16. The clinic offered the Johnson & Johnson and the Pfizer vaccines.
Homebound seniors can also request a mobile vaccination appointment through Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Appointments can be made by calling 833-540-0473 or via the link that can be found at www.carsonca.gov/vaccine.
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. To date, $6,300,000.00 in Federal Loans have been received with assistance from the City. 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. The City Council increased the Loan Program amount to $650,000 with a total of $650,000 being fully funded.
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 City has approved 48 grant recipients and awarded $250,286 out of $335,932 budgeted.
The financial assistance is available for up to a maximum of $10,000 per qualified households, is 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.
Los Angeles County residents can also apply for the state-wide rental relief program which the County of Los Angeles is a participant. Residents may apply at housing.ca.gov or call 833-320-2122.
City Hall
Effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021, City Hall opened to the public by appointment only Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 6 PM. We continue to encourage the public to utilize online and telephonic services as well.
|
WEEK |
APPOINTMENTS |
|
August 23 - September 2 |
94 |
|
September 7 - September 16 |
80 |
|
TOTALS |
174 |
City Events
On June 22, 2021, the City Council approved in-person public events to resume as early as July. Special events will resume either in-person or virtual depending on the time needed for planning purposes.
Also, the City Council approved the restart of meetings of Commissions, Committees and Boards (CCBs) beginning with Planning; Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts; Economic Development; Mobile Home Park Review Board; Women’s Issues and Youth Commission. The remaining CCBs will be restarted no sooner than September. At the July 20, 2021 City Council authorized the Measure C and Measure K Budget Oversight Committee to resume meetings in September.
Staff is requesting to activate the Human Relations Commission in October 2021, to have adequate time to organize an event typically in February regarding an essay contest titled “Why I am a rising star”.
Parks
Parks are open for active recreation while continuing to follow LA County guidelines. Outside picnic reservations are now being issued. Beginning on Monday, June 14, 2021, parks will be staffed from 12:00 pm (noon) to 9:00 pm.
Recreation Programs
Youth Sports are in full swing for t-ball, baseball and softball. The next youth sports season will be flag football, soccer and soft ball with the season beginning October 2, 2021 through December 4, 2021.
Adult Sports started on Sunday, April 10, 2021 running baseball games with a total of 23 teams. For softball there are 14 co-ed teams and 7 men’s teams playing. An interest list is being built of teams for soccer and basketball.
Kids Club/Licensed Childcare Programs
Per earlier guidance provided by State and County authorities, Kids Club/Summer Day Camp reopened on Monday, June 29, 2020.
Community Services had another successful season of city summer programs including Summer Day camp, aquatics, parks and an enrichment program featuring Summer Youth employment beginning on July 10, 2021 and concluded on August 20, 2021.
The following table summarizes the number of participants for:
Week of August 30 - September 2, 2021
|
PARK |
ALL DAY |
AFTERNOON |
TOTAL |
|
Calas |
16 |
0 |
16 |
|
Carson |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Del Amo |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Dolphin |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Veterans |
14 |
0 |
14 |
Carson and Los Angeles County Cases per 100K
After six months of decreases and a stabilization of case counts in Los Angeles County, the previous two months have shown an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Although still low compared to the winter surge thanks to vaccination rates, the increase is still concerning due to the introduction of the more contagious Delta variant that now accounts for over 98% of all detected variants.
Hospitalizations in Los Angeles County
Vaccine Education
Residents can view on the City’s website the educational Town Hall that was conducted by the City on February 11, 2021 featuring UCLA Health Physician Evelyn Curls, MD, MBA. Also available for viewing is the City’s second educational Town Hall conducted on March 25, 2021 in collaboration with CSUDH and Dr. Ana Sophia Lopes.
The City has a website at www.carsonca.gov/vaccine <http://www.carsonca.gov/vaccine> to inform residents about vaccines, vaccine site locations, education webinars by various entities and recorded videos of previous vaccine-related town halls.
Individuals who are apprehensive of potential side effects, have a history of allergies or are hesitant for any reason should consult with their physicians regarding any concerns.
Vaccines with Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) and FDA Approval
Vaccines are not fully effective until two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna and 2 weeks after the one dose for Johnson and Johnson.
On May 11, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 years of age and older. Previously the approval was for ages 16 and up.
|
Pfizer-BioNTech |
Two dose series separated by 21 days. Indicated ages of 12 to 15. |
|
Moderna |
Two dose series separated by 28 days. Indicated ages of 18 years and up. |
|
Johnson & Johnson |
One dose. Indicated ages of 18 years and up. |
On August 23, 2021, the FDA gave full approval to the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech. FDA-approved vaccines undergo the agency’s standard process for reviewing the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products. This vaccine will now be marketed as Comirnaty and covers individuals 16 years of age and older. Vaccine use for children from 12 to 15 years of age will still be covered by EUA.
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