Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, January 04, 2022
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 did so by shutting down local businesses and severely impacting our economy. Carson’s residents and businesses were directed by the State to follow stay-at-home orders, except 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 December 28, 2021, Los Angeles County Public Health Department has reported 13,356 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the City of Carson, with 1,632,893 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 may have not been tested and therefore not counted among the reported cases.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. DISCUSS and PROVIDE 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 15,949,672 total vaccine doses have been administered with 6,855,427 individuals fully vaccinated. As of the date of this report, 81.7% of Carson residents 5 years of age and over have received at least one vaccine dose.
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization designated the variant B.1.1.259 as a variant of concern named Omicron. This variant has several mutations that may have an impact on ease of transmission or the severity of illness it causes. Studies are currently being conducted by experts in this field to understand the implications of Omicron. Additional information will be provided once the results of those studies have been released.
On December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. Those who test positive with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving without a fever for 24 hours, following that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. The quarantine period recommended is for 5 days for those unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second shot (or 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer warned last week that if infections continue such a dramatic rise, the daily case number could top 20,000 by the new year, its highest level of the pandemic. She also stated that the data shows that unvaccinated people are 21 times more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated people.
Vaccine Distribution Sites in Carson
From February 15 - 19, 2021, Dignity Health operated a vaccination site at the Dignity Health Sports Park for City of Carson residents and others. This vaccination event 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 first shot previously at that location.
On February 25, 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 continued to collaborate with additional clinics held on March 18th, and April 1st, 8th, and 27th. Effective April 20, 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, 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 14, 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 14 and 15, 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 21 and 22, 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 5, 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 first shot. On June 26, the second shot for this “Pop-up” vaccination site was administered.
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 26th and September 16. The clinic offered the Johnson & Johnson and the Pfizer vaccines.
CARE Ambulance along with Prevailing in Christ Ministries held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on September 25 where all three FDA authorized vaccines were offered, and another is planned for October 23.
Beginning October 13, the City of Carson in collaboration with US Health Fairs will provide vaccinations and boosters available for all eligible groups at the Carson Community Center every other Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Effective immediately, City employees as well as the public can obtain a PCR/Rapid test at the Carson Sheriff Station administered by Northshore Clinical Labs of California located at 21356 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
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 <http://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) loans (now ended), other loan programs as well as general business assistance in managing this crisis. To date, more $6,300,000.00 in Federal Loans have been received by Carson businesses with assistance from the City. Businesses in Carson were also eligible for emergency loans of up to $30,000 from the City of Carson’s own Loan Program funded by the City with a total of $650,000, with all funds now being fully disbursed to borrowers.
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 54 grant recipients and awarded $284,171 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. The City will continue to encourage the public to utilize online and telephonic services as well.
City Events
At the turn of the New Year, City events will continue to follow all Health & Safety protocols as pronounced through the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.
Parks
Parks are open for active recreation while continuing to follow LA County guidelines. Outside picnic reservations are now being issued. Beginning on June 14, 2021, parks were staffed from noon to 9:00 pm.
Recreation Programs
Youth Sports began with t-ball, baseball, and softball. The next youth sports seasons were flag football, soccer and softball with the season beginning October 2 and running through December 4, 2021. Youth Basketball league will begin registration starting December 4.
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 concluding on August 20, 2021.
The following table summarizes the number of Kids Club participants:
Week of December 27, 2021 - December 30, 2021
|
PARK |
ALL DAY |
AFTERNOON |
TOTAL |
|
Calas |
18 |
0 |
18 |
|
Carson |
16 |
0 |
16 |
|
Del Amo |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
Dolphin |
11 |
0 |
11 |
|
Veterans |
32 |
0 |
32 |
Carson and Los Angeles County Cases per 100K
In the last month, we have seen one of the largest spikes since one year ago when the State of California, Governor’s Office issued the Stay-At-Home order. However, today L.A. County reached more than 16K new cases of Covid which is the highest recorded since the pandemic started.
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 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 one dose for Johnson & 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 under EUA; 16 and up have full approval. |
|
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 and covers individuals 16 years of age and older. Vaccine use for children from 12 to 15 years of age is still covered by EUA.
On September 24, the CDC authorized 3rd dose boosters for recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for certain populations. Those recommended for the booster include:
o People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
o People 50-64 years old with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot from Pfizer-BioNTech at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
o People 18-49 years old with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, depending on their individual benefits and risks;
o People 18-64 who are at increased risk for Covid-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
On October 21st, the CDC expanded eligibility for booster vaccine shots with booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines.
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, those 65 and older or 18 and older living in long term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or work or live in high-risks settings are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series. For the people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
On November 2, the CDC recommended and authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use by children 5 to 11 years old as a safe and effective vaccination against COVID-19.
On November 19, 2021, the California Department of Public Health announced anyone who is age 18 years or older, booster vaccinations are available through Pfizer, Moderna and Johnsons & Johnson.
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 from FEMA or other sources.
VI. EXHIBITS
N/A
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., Acting City Manager