Alert SouthBay
Regional Integrated Alert and Warning Notification System
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JIC Regional Message January 22, 2021

REGIONAL MESSAGE ON COVID-19 THREAT ALERT SOUTHBAY CITIES

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER

KEY MESSAGES

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES UPDATED HOSPITAL DEMAND MODEL RELEASED

DHS has released an updated Hospital Demand Model. One key finding is the number of new patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalizations each day across LA County, although extremely high, has appeared to level off and begin to decrease. However, we are still in a critical surge, with thousands of new cases each day. Your best defense against contracting COVID-19 is to NOT gather with individuals outside of your household, wear a face covering, and physically distance. If you have received the vaccine, it doesn't mean you don't have to wear a mask or physical distance until we have more transmissibility information. It's also important to remember that reaching herd immunity with any virus has never been achieved without a vaccine. To view this report, click here.

VACCINE INFORMATION: WHO IS ELIGIBLE TIER 1A AND SENIORS 65+

Los Angeles County residents who are 65 years old and older can now register for COVID-19 vaccination appointments in addition to Tier 1A. Tier1A is for healthcare workers and others that are on the frontlines. LA County has approximately 500,000 healthcare workers who need to be vaccinated before moving to the rest of Tier 1B. Here are the five super vaccination sites currently ONLY open to healthcare and frontline workers and those residents 65+ in Los Angeles County:

Residents in this high-priority age group should visit the Los Angeles County website to schedule their appointments. Proof of residence is required as well as an appointment. To book an appointment, please click here. Residents who don’t have computer access may call (833) 540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. or 2-1-1 for assistance with appointments. Your local city cannot book appointments for you.

If you currently do not fall into Tier 1A and are not a resident 65+, please do not try and book appointments or show up to vaccination sites. You will be turned away. 

Vaccinations are free and available to all, regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage. For those who have insurance, coverage information may be requested as part of the appointment scheduling process.

*Please be patient if there are no available appointments when you first visit the county's website. Appointments are continually being added, and more vaccination sites are scheduled to open in the coming weeks. 

Dodger Stadium Vaccine.JPG

Tips to make your vaccine appointment:

  • Check the county's website early in the morning. It seems like appointments are released sometime during the night or check periodically throughout the day.

  • Appointments are continually being added, so be vigilant, especially if you hope to get vaccinated at a specific location.

  • You do not need to go back to the same location to receive your second dose. Just make sure you are accepting the same type of vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna).

  • Some locations have phone numbers to call if you have specific questions about disability parking or other needs. You should make the appointment, confirm it, and then call to see if you can get your questions answered.

Tips for vaccination locations:

  • The closest county megapod is The Forum, 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305.

  • Crenshaw Clinic: Parking is not available on W 79th (it is blocked off). Drive-up Normandie and park on the street (Vermont has testing site traffic, this location is testing and providing vaccinations).

  • Dodger Stadium: This is a drive-through location where you remain in your vehicle. There are usually lots of appointments available here.

You can also sign-up to receive the vaccine newsletter from the LA County Department of Public Health by clicking here.

VACCINATION TIERS EXPLAINED

The following prioritization is from the California COVID-19 Vaccine Plan.

Phase 1B: Vaccine is not yet available to persons listed in Phase 1B except for residents 65+.

It is estimated that vaccination will begin for those in Phase 1B in early February. Everyone in this phase should have been offered at least one dose of vaccine by late March*.

1B Tier 1

  • Persons 65 years and older (currently vaccinating)

  • Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors:

    • Education

    • Childcare

    • Emergency services

    • Food and agriculture

1B Tier 2

  • Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors:

    • Transportation and logistics

    • Industrial, commercial, residential, and sheltering facilities and services

    • Critical manufacturing

    • Congregate settings with outbreak risk: incarcerated and homeless

Phase 1C: Vaccine is not yet available to persons listed in Phase 1C.

It is estimated that vaccination will begin for those in Phase 1C in March. In this phase, everyone should have been offered at least one vaccine dose by late April/early May*.

  • Persons 50-64 years old

  • People 16-49 years of age and have an underlying health condition or disability increase their risk of severe COVID-19.

  • Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors:

    • Water and wastewater

    • Defense

    • Energy

    • Chemical and hazardous materials

    • Communications and IT

    • Financial services

    • Government operations / community-based essential functions

Phase 2 (Proposed): Vaccine is not yet available to persons listed in Phase 2.

It is estimated that vaccination will begin for those in Phase 2 by mid-May or early June*.

  • Persons 16-49 years old without high-risk medical conditions


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Soraya Sutherlin