Dear Residents,
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus in Los Angeles County and would like to share the following updates with the community:
The Latest |
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L.A. County Meets Threshold to Reopen Grades TK-6
California permits elementary schools to reopen as soon as counties reach an adjusted COVID-19 case rate of 25 per 100,000 residents for five days. L.A. County reached that much-anticipated milestone on February 15.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health announced that students in grades TK–6 are permitted on-site learning if the school is in full compliance with state and county directives. Many of the directives are not new and are very familiar to schools that reopened under the waiver program or for services for high-need students.
Elementary schools in L.A. County fall into two groups: those that are already open for in-classroom instruction for an entire class of students in grades TK-2 through the waiver program and those that are not open for full-grade in class instruction.
Schools already open through an approved waiver need to post their COVID Safety Plan prior to expanding in-class instruction to students grades 3-6. There are 297 elementary schools with approved waivers, including Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District elementary schools. The City will share any announcements from PVPUSD on in-person instruction with residents.
Schools not yet open need to submit their required COVID Safety Plan for review by CDPH and L.A. County Public Health, along with completing the county reopening protocol checklist. If no concerns are noted in seven working days by either the state or county health departments, they are permitted to open on day eight as long as they follow the safety requirements and protocols detailed in state and county directives.
For grades 7 through 12, reopening will not be permitted until L.A. County’s case rate drops below 7 per 100,000 people. |
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Vaccination Eligibility Set to Expand March 1
The L.A. County Department of Public Health plans to open up eligibility for the vaccine to three additional sectors starting on March 1: education and childcare, food and agriculture, and first responders and law enforcement. The county is working with partners to address challenges in vaccinating the more than 1.8 million workers that will be eligible for vaccine. This includes partnering with schools, unions, businesses, healthcare providers and community partners to set up sector specific vaccination sites.
For the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccinations in L.A. County, visit vaccinatelacounty.com. To sign up to get notified when it's your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine, visit myturn.ca.gov.
Vaccinating Those at Higher Risk
Last week, the California Department of Public Health announced that beginning March 15, healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals aged 16-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk to get very sick from COVID-19 because they have the following severe health conditions: - Cancer, current with weakened immune system
- Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above
- Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen dependent
- Down syndrome
- Solid organ transplant, leading to a weakened immune system
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (but not hypertension)
- Severe obesity (Body Mass Index = 40 kg/m2)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%
OR If as a result of a developmental or other severe high-risk disability one or more of the following applies: - The individual is likely to develop severe life-threatening illness or death from COVID-19 infection
- Acquiring COVID-19 will limit the individual’s ability to receive ongoing care or services vital to their well-being and survival
- Providing adequate and timely COVID care will be particularly challenging as a result of the individual’s disability.
See CDPH’s Provider Bulletin for details. |
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Peninsula Pharmacies Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccine to Residents 65+, Supply Extremely Limited
Select retail pharmacies, in partnership with local, state and federal programs, are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible populations. Currently, vaccinations in L.A. County are open to healthcare workers, staff, and residents at long-term care facilities and people ages 65 and older. COVID-19 vaccine supplies continue to be extremely limited, and individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine must schedule an appointment and bring proof of eligibility to get vaccinated.
City staff has identified the following retail pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations on the Palos Verdes Peninsula:
Ralphs Pharmacy #720
30019 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.ralphs.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated
Rite Aid Pharmacy #5480
23 Peninsula Center
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier
Pavilions Pharmacy #2233
7 Peninsula Center
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt
Residents can schedule an appointment directly by visiting the above-listed websites or through the county’s vaccinatelacounty.com website. Please note that as of today, no appointments are available at any pharmacies in the immediate area. Please be patient as appointments are continually being added and more vaccination sites are scheduled to open in the coming weeks. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Myths vs FactsThe L.A. County Department of Public Health reminds the public that while you may have heard different things about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media or through friends and family, it is important to know the facts.
Myth #7: The vaccine is being pushed on people against their will.
The Facts: Getting the vaccine is totally voluntary. Doctors and public health officials are trying to provide people with good information onthe safety and effectiveness of these vaccines so that they can make an informed decision when it is their turn to be offered the vaccine. No one is required to get vaccinated.
For more myths and facts, and more vaccine information, go to vaccinatelacounty.com. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: Will I be required to get vaccinated for work?The federal government does not require vaccination for individuals. For some healthcare workers or essential employees, a state or local government or employer, for example, may require or mandate that workers be vaccinated as a matter of state or other law. Check with your employer to see if they have any rules that apply to you.
To learn more, visit the Beach Cities Health District’s dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage at bchd.org/covidvaccine. |
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Seniors COVID-19 Town Hall with Senator Allen
Join Senator Ben Allen next Tuesday, February 23 at 3 p.m. for a virtual town hall on resources to help seniors navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine rollout. Senator Allen, Dr. Sion Roy, cardiologist at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Dr. Seira Kurian of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, will discuss state and medical leaders' COVID-19 response, and take questions from viewers.
Please submit your questions to senator.allen@senate.ca.gov with the subject line "Senior Town Hall Question” by 5 p.m. on February 22 to ensure the presentation can fine-tuned to best serve your needs.
You can join the town hall live on Senator Allen’s Facebook page or Twitter page, by Zoom, or by phone at +1(888) 475-4499. |
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Governor Newsom, Legislative Leaders Announce Immediate Action Agreement for Relief to Californians Experiencing Pandemic Hardship
Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon announced they reached an agreement on a package of immediate actions that will speed needed relief to individuals, families and businesses suffering the most significant economic hardship from the COVID-19 Recession.
The compromise builds on the initiatives in the Governor’s state budget proposal to provide cash relief to lower-income Californians, increase aid to small businesses and provide license renewal fee waivers to businesses impacted by the pandemic. In addition to these measures, the agreement provides tax relief for businesses, commits additional resources for critical child care services and funds emergency financial aid for community college students.
For details of the Immediate Action Agreement, visit the California Governor website.
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City Hall to Remain Temporarily Closed to the Public through February 28
Although COVID-19 cases are trending down in L.A. County, because transmission remains relatively high, and to limit public contact to protect the health and well-being of residents and City staff, City Hall will remain temporarily closed to the public through February 28. The City remains open for business, however, by telephone, email, online and limited curbside services. Some employees are working on rotation and may be working remotely.
Please visit the appropriate department page on the City website for a list of phone numbers and email addresses to accommodate your needs. For a list of departments, visit the Department Directory on the City website. As a reminder, all City park buildings are closed and all outdoor recreational programming, including the YMCA After School Recreational Enrichment Program, has resumed in accordance with L.A. County Department of Public Health protocols. |
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Registration Open for After School Recreational Enrichment Program
Registration is open for the After School Recreational Enrichment Program offered by the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA and the City at Hesse Park!
Register your child today at bit.ly/sppyenrichment
The after school program is for grades K-5 and will take place from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday at Hesse Park through June 11.
This program is 100% outdoors and features activities covering science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), individual conditioning physical exercise, enrichment, and much more, all designed to maintain physical distancing and follow Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols. Fees are $100 per week, per child.
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Outdoor Recreation Classes Resume
In accordance with L.A. County’s revised Health Officer Order, the Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the return of in-person, outdoor organized group classes and activities for all ages!
Classes include yoga, dance, fitness, lacrosse, art, enrichment, and more.
Activities are held on-site at outdoor park facilities in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols. Space is limited.
Register today at apm.activecommunities.com/rpv. |
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REACH Program Returns Virtually
The REACH program, which serves the social and recreational needs of youths and young adults with developmental disabilities, has returned with virtual activities! (Stay tuned for updates on outdoor programming).
Although Nature Walks are postponed, REACH participants still have a variety of (virtual) enriching activities to choose from! Recreation and Parks is excited to share the February REACH Program calendar and engage with our wonderful REACH participants.
To RSVP for any of our upcoming activities and if you have any questions, please email reach@rpvca.gov.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 310-683-3157, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation. |
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Peninsula Seniors Virtual Activities
Peninsula Seniors is a nonprofit organization offering activities and services that enhance and enrich the lives of senior adults on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and in the surrounding community. While you’re staying safer at home, join Peninsula Seniors for a variety of Zoom activities throughout the week. For a calendar of activities for both members and non-members, visit pvseniors.org/events. |
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Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Zoom Info Session March 12
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Village builds community with older adults while they remain in their homes as they age. PVP Village has been serving its members throughout the COVID-19 crisis with a calendar full of virtual social opportunities, continuing transportation to essential appointments, computer help including Zoom and FaceTime, grocery shopping, handyman help and referrals.
For information about this dynamic and caring community of friendship and support, contact Executive Director Marianne Propst to participate in a Zoom information session on Friday, March 12 at 1 p.m. You also may call for an informal chat or to arrange a socially distant visit.
Call 310-991-3324 or visit www.peninsulavillage.net for more details. |
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It’s Takeout Thursday!With the recent outdoor dining prohibition in Los Angeles County, our local restaurants need our support now more than ever! All residents are encouraged to participate in The Great Peninsula Takeout, a Peninsula-wide effort to support local restaurants. Join our community in this "Takeout Tuesdays and Takeout Thursdays" initiative by posting on social media and inviting friends and neighbors to order takeout!
Check the Open for Business page on the City website for a list of local restaurants offering takeout, delivery and curbside pickup. |
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Upcoming Local Blood DrivesBlood donations have decreased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthy, eligible donors are urged to come out and give to ensure there’s lifesaving blood on the shelves for those who need it.
The American Red Cross is holding upcoming blood drives in Rancho Palos Verdes:
Wednesday, February 24
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
5845 Crestridge Road
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: LDSRPV.
Monday, March 1
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
26231 Silver Spur Rd
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org
Visit redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete the pre-donation paperwork.
The Red Cross has implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of its donors and staff. There is no evidence that the novel coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus, including the novel coronavirus.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Help save lives and get insight into whether you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus.
For more information, visit redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) |
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CasesAs of February 18, there are 1,174,340 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Los Angeles County (population 10.17 million). The total includes 1,276 cases in Rancho Palos Verdes (population 42,747), 377 in Palos Verdes Estates (population 13,522), 241 in Rolling Hills Estates (population 8,113), 46 in Rolling Hills (population 1,940), and 54 in the unincorporated areas of the Peninsula (population 1,921). Countywide, 19,514 people have died. According to the Department of Public Health, 45 deaths have been reported in Rancho Palos Verdes. The City extends its deepest condolences to the families of these residents.
For a list of cases broken down by city, demographic characteristics, and settings, visit the L.A. County Department of Public Health's Locations & Demographics page.
For an interactive dashboard with maps and graphs showing testing, cases and death data by community, poverty level, age, sex and race/ethnicity visit: http://dashboard.publichealth.lacounty.gov/covid19_surveillance_dashboard/
An interactive dashboard of COVID-19 cases in the South Bay maintained by the City of Torrance is available at bit.ly/2XB1fv1. The dashboard reflects information sourced by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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