Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Consent
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 January 26, 2022, Los Angeles County Public Health Department has reported 24,413 (+1,608) confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the City of Carson, with 2,540,075 (+191,334) 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.
On January 25, 2022, Governor Newsom, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker announced that they reached an agreement on a framework to ensure employees can have extended access to COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave. This sick leave will be available through September 30, 2022 for businesses with more than 26 employees and can cover up to 2 weeks of leave with documentation.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. RECEIVE and FILE.
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 17,509,580 (+424,135) total vaccine doses have been administered with 7,116,250 (+88,631) individuals fully vaccinated. As of the date of this report, 84.9% (+0.8%) 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 late December 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 17 times more likely to be hospitalized.
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer also urged the public yesterday, January 11th, 2022, to cancel all gatherings and unnecessary events outside of school and work as this surge is causing tremendous strain for the healthcare system, work force, and public health.
Los Angeles County Public Health issued a news release yesterday, February 7th, 2022, stating that through the week ending on January 15th, unvaccinated residents were 12 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than vaccinated residents. Unvaccinated individuals 65 and older were 24 times more likely to die in comparison to vaccinated individuals 65 and older. Of the small percentage of vaccinated and boosted individuals that died, 52% were immunocompromised.
Vaccine Distribution Sites in Carson
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 Monday, January 10, 2022, City Hall opened to the public by appointment only Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 6 pm. The City will require all In-person meetings to discontinue and the public to utilize online and telephonic services.
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
All recreation centers will be closed effective Monday, January 10, 2022 until further notice. All programs will be conducted outdoors or postponed based on County guidelines.
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
The following table summarizes the number of Kids Club participants:
Week of February 7, 2022 - January 10, 2022
|
PARK |
ALL DAY |
AFTERNOON |
TOTAL |
|
Calas |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Carson |
11 |
0 |
11 |
|
Del Amo |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Dolphin |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Veterans |
20 |
0 |
20 |
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, L.A. County has now reached more than 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 which is the highest recorded since the pandemic started. The surge also contributed to an increase of hospitalizations, but hospitalization cases have begun to decrease with 2,773 (-1,781) infected patients.
Additionally, within the last month, the City of Carson has seen a surge in employee cases resulting in telecommuting for infected and close contact employees in isolation. The City of Carson has also begun weekly testing for employees.
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.
|
Pfizer-BioNTech |
Two dose series separated by 21 days. Indicated ages of 5 to 15 under EUA; 16 and up have full approval. Boosters after 5 months of original series are approved for 12 and up. Immunocompromised individuals 5 and up should receive an additional dose as part of their primary series, 28 days after 2nd shot. |
|
Moderna |
Two dose series separated by 28 days. Indicated ages of 18 years and up. Immunocompromised individuals 18 and up should receive an additional dose as part of their primary series, 28 days after 2nd shot. |
|
Johnson & Johnson |
One dose. Indicated ages of 18 years and up. |
On January 3rd, 2022, the FDA increased eligibility for 3rd dose boosters for recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for all individuals 12 and up.
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., City Manager