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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Happy Holidays!
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes wishes all who celebrate a Merry Christmas and a Happy Kwanzaa!
As a reminder, the L.A. County Department of Public Health recommends staying home and celebrating holidays only with people who live in your household. Connect with friends and family you don’t live with using all of the technology that allows us to see and hear each other from afar. |
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2020 Winter Holiday ClosuresCity Hall will be closed for winter holiday break from December 24 to January 1 and will reopen January 4. Please note that due to the upcoming Winter Break City Hall closure, there will be no COVID-19 Community Updates for the remainder of 2020. The newsletter will resume on January 7. For more information, including trash collection and street sweeping delays, visit cvcpl.us/LgW9SC6.
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 Photo: County of Los Angeles |
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Vaccine Update - Making California HistoryThe first shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines arrived this week in L.A. County. The next allocation of vaccines is expected a week later, and the county will continue to receive weekly shipments thereafter starting in January.
The current expected initial allocation for L.A. County is 82,875 doses, and officials are expecting two additional allocations in December. This does not include allocations for Long Beach and Pasadena, which have their own independent health departments and are receiving their own allocations. All 82,875 doses in the first shipment will be used to vaccinate healthcare workers, prioritizing those at the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19.
A second COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, was endorsed today by the FDA’s Advisory Committee, and based on the publicly released findings of the vaccine trial, the L.A. County Department of Public Health is hopeful the vaccine will receive Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) very soon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices will meet this weekend to discuss the recommended use of the Moderna vaccine and will also vote on additional priority populations to receive it.
If the Moderna vaccine receives EUA, doses of this vaccine should arrive in L.A. County next week. These doses will be used to vaccinate residents and staff at skilled nursing facilities and frontline EMS responders.
While it will take several months to distribute vaccines widely, there is cause for hope today. In the meantime, please, stay home as much possible, wear your face covering and keep your distance from others. We must protect each other.
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ICYMI: COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall
In case you missed it, a recording of tonight’s COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Event hosted by the L.A. County Department of Public Health is available on YouTube. Watch Dr. Muntu Davis, Dr. Paul Simon and Dr. Seira Kurian discuss the latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccine at youtu.be/THffL8j-6Y0. |
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ICYMI: South Bay Frontline Healthcare Workers COVID-19 Update
In case you missed it, a recording of tonight’s virtual South Bay Frontline Healthcare Workers COVID-19 Update with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi is available on Facebook at fb.watch/2rRTjVi7PJ/.
Assemblymember Muratuschi, Craig Leach, CEO of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Alex Hakim, Intensive Care Unit Intensivist from Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center, and Rose Sanchez, Nurse Manager of Kaiser Permanente South Bay, discussed the current state of COVID-19 in our South Bay hospitals. |
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Governor Newsom Launches “Vaccinate All 58” Campaign based on Safety and Equity as First Vaccines Arrive to California
As the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in California, this week, Governor Gavin Newsom launched “Vaccinate All 58”, California’s campaign for a safe, fair and equitable vaccine for all 58 counties in the state. The Governor joined Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, one of the first locations in the state to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, as first doses were administered. Across California, vaccines will be administered in phases by prioritizing groups according to risk and level of exposure. Initial doses will go to California’s essential health care workers and those among our most vulnerable in long-term care settings.
California is determining its distribution guidelines in an open and equitable fashion as initial vaccine supplies will be very limited. At first, vaccines will be provided to health care workers and those in long-term care settings in accordance with the CDPH Allocation Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccine During Phase 1A. This is expected to be followed by essential workers and others at highest risk of becoming infected or severely ill with COVID-19.
Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Confirms the Pfizer Vaccine is Safe and Efficacious for Public Use
Also earlier this week, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup completed their concurrent and thorough review of the federal process and has confirmed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and efficacious. The Workgroup provided their confirmation to the governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington on Sunday morning.
Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October, which has worked concurrently and independently to review the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccinations. They will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines after they are routed through FDA authorization. The panel is made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health.
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Surging Case Numbers Continue
From November 9 - December 10, average daily hospitalizations of people with COVID-19 in L.A. County increased 312%. Our daily case numbers are unlike any we have ever seen in our county and reflect extraordinarily high rates of community transmission; activities we were able to do just a few weeks back, now present far too much risk for virus transmission.
In order for us to stop the surge, the L.A. County Department of Public Health reminds residents we need to use the tools at hand to slow community transmission and reduce the number of infected people. The strategies that work remain the same: - No gatherings/events with others outside of your immediate household;
- Always and correctly wear face coverings/masks when around others, and;
- Always maintain your physical distance from others who are not from your household
During this surge, everyone should also stay at home except to provide or receive essential services, avoid all non-essential travel, get tested if you have symptoms or an exposure, and isolate immediately from your family and others if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. If we take these actions, we will save lives.
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 Photo: Abbott
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FDA Authorizes Emergency Use Authorization for Two At-Home COVID-19 Tests
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations for two at-home COVID-19 tests.
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is authorized for prescription use at home with self-collected nasal swab samples from individuals ages 15 years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset. It is also authorized for use with adult-collected nasal swab samples from individuals ages four years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset. The test will be offered in partnership with a telehealth service that will take users step-by-step through the sample collection process and provide assistance in reading and understanding the results.
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 Photo: Ellume
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The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is a rapid, lateral flow antigen test, a type of test that runs a liquid sample along a surface with reactive molecules. The test detects fragments of proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal swab sample from any individual 2 years of age or older. The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is the first COVID-19 test that can be used completely at home without a prescription. Ellume expects to produce more than three million tests in January 2021.
Learn more at fda.gov.
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DMV Temporarily Halts Behind-The-Wheel Driving Tests
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is temporarily suspending behind-the-wheel driving tests for at least two weeks beginning December 14. The DMV is taking this step for the health and safety of customers and employees during the current statewide surge in COVID-19 cases.
In-vehicle testing is a requirement for first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants. The temporary suspension includes commercial and noncommercial tests but does not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance.
Customers with scheduled appointments in the next two weeks will be notified their tests are canceled. The DMV will automatically reschedule the tests at a later date.
Learn more at dmv.ca.gov. |
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Playground Safety
The L.A. County Department of Public Health reminds residents that transmission rates are high in L.A. County, so if you are out at a playground please make sure you have face coverings on and are keeping your distance from others. |
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Staying Happy (and Busy) While Home for the Holidays
Kerianne Lawson, Chief Programs Officer for the Beach Cities Health District, shares safer alternatives to gathering in-person with people outside of your household this holiday season. Read the blog at bchd.org. |
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A Holiday Care Package for Seniors in Need
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has prepared holiday care packages for seniors in need. If you, or someone you know, could use some support this holiday season, please contact McKenzie Bright, Administrative Analyst, at mbright@rpvca.gov or (310) 544-5305.
Care packages include socks, puzzles, wipes, hand sanitizer and disposable masks. Together, we can help spread some holiday cheer to our seniors in need. |
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Marymount California University/PV Seniors: You're Going Back to School!
In cooperation with Marymount California University, Palos Verdes seniors are invited back to school! Marymount California University is again offering Peninsula Seniors members the opportunity to attend Marymount classes tuition-free!
The list of available classes and registration form are attached, and may be downloaded on MCU’s website.
Send completed application forms to Peninsula Seniors (seniors@pvseniors.org) by Tuesday, January 5, 2021. |
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Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Zoom Info Session January 8
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, January 8 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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Know a Senior in Need of Meal Assistance? Great Plates Delivered Extended through December 30
If you know a senior in need of meal assistance, it's not too late for them to apply for L.A. County's Great Plates Delivered Program, which has been extended through December 30.
Through Great Plates Delivered, the county is providing three home-delivered meals a day to qualifying older adults and adults over 60 who are at high-risk for COVID-19. This effort is not only assisting seniors, but it is helping the local restaurant, hospitality and transportation communities get back to work.
To learn more and apply for meal assistance, visit wdacs.lacounty.gov/greatplates. |
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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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Letter to County Officials on Reopening Schools Following authorization by the City Council in closed session, last week, city staff sent a letter to Governor Newsom, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer requesting schools reopen for in-person instruction, and urging the consideration of local transmission data when developing restrictions and reopening plans. Read the letter on the City website.
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Looking for a fun and safe activity to get your child outside this holiday season? Get Outdoors with Elf in the Park!Rancho the Elf has been having fun causing all kinds of mischief in the City’s parks! Each week in December, he will be visiting a different RPV park. Use the clues below to find him: Batter up! Rancho’s favorite sport is baseball and his all-time favorite player is Fred McGriff! Did you know that December marks the start of the migration of the Pacific gray whale? Rancho's polished up his binoculars and is getting ready to look for whales at his favorite point and will enjoy seeing any nearby lighthouses. Rancho grew up in a forest and he loves to go hiking in his free time, so this park on Forrestal Drive sounded like a whole lotta fun!
Once you find him, please take a selfie with Rancho and share it using #RanchoTheParkElf
Participating Parks: Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park, Robert Ryan Park, Ladera Linda Park, and Eastview Park.
For more information, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at parks@rpvca.gov or 310-544-5260. |
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L.A. County Animal Care and Control Waives Cat Adoption Fees in DecemberThe L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control is waiving cat adoption fees for the month of December. The department is hoping to get more animals out of its care centers and into homes. This waiver does not include license and trust deposit fees. For more information, visit animalcare.lacounty.gov. |
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Upcoming Local Blood DriveBlood 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:
Tuesday, December 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pacific Unitarian Universalist Church
5621 Montemalaga Drive
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: PACIFICUNITARIANCHURCH.
Monday, January 11
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
31290 Palos Verdes Drive West
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: SPLC.
Tuesday, January 12
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pacific Unitarian Universalist Church
5621 Montemalaga Drive
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: PACIFICUNITARIANCHURCH.
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 December 17, there are 580,325 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Los Angeles County (population 10.17 million), including the South Bay, so the public should not think one location is safer than another and everyone should be aware and practice physical distancing. The total includes 604 cases in Rancho Palos Verdes (population 41,731), 172 in Palos Verdes Estates (population 13,190), 113 in Rolling Hills Estates (population 8,066), 17 in Rolling Hills (population 1,874), and 29 in the unincorporated areas of the Peninsula. Countywide, 8,664 people have died. According to the Department of Public Health, 14 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: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/locations.htm
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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