DO:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet whenever outside of the house
• Self-isolate if you suspect you have COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• Call your medical provider if you suspect you have COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms

DON'T:

• Shake hands
• Touch your face
• Congregate with large groups of people who are not household members
• Leave your home without your face covering

• City of Vernon Hotline (323) 826-3648 (www.cityofvernon.org/covid19)
  • The City continues to provide essential services to businesses and residents. The City's hotline is available to respond to non-emergency requests and inquiries (if you do not know your party's direct extension).

• Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 (http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/)
  • The Disaster Distress Helpline, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The Disaster Distress Helpline is providing immediate counseling to anyone seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• GoldenTALK (888) 603-6533 (www.ididsomethinggoodtoday.org)
  • GoldenTALK is a chat and crisis line for seniors who are 60 years of age and older. The chat line assists seniors facing social isolation through warm conversations and also provides referrals and works closely with multiple agencies within Los Angeles County in the event of a crisis. GoldenTALK team members also make outbound calls for wellness checks and appointment and referral follow-ups.

• 2-1-1 LA
  • 211 LA is the central source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services in LA County. The 2-1-1 phone line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, with trained Community Resource Advisors prepared to offer help with any situation, any time.

• The Veterans Crisis Hotline (800) 273-8255 Press "1" (www.veteranscrisisline.net)
  • The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that is available to anyone, even if you are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, caring, qualified VA responders are standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Los Angeles County Disaster Help Center (833) 238-4450 (www.lacountyhelpcenter.org)
  • If you believe you have been the victim of a price increase or suspect that a business is abusing consumers with price increases, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.

With the ever-evolving COVID-19 health crisis, access to information and education is critical. Please continue to track the latest updates.

• County: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/
• State: https://covid19.ca.gov/
• Federal: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus 

COVID-19 Vaccine

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be safe and very effective in large studies that involved a diverse mix of people. These vaccines prevented 95% of cases of COVID-19 disease.

Vernon Mobile Health Vaccinations

In partnership with LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis and state Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, Vernon has successfully implemented its COVID-19 mobile vaccination program. Vernon is pleased that it can take part in contributing to the safety and welfare of the community.

With initial plans to inoculate essential workers performing jobs in high-density work environments, vaccination efforts were ultimately expanded to include Vernon residents in accordance with state eligibility guidelines.

Vernon Health and Environmental Control Department staff, in partnership with Stacy Medical Center staff, utilized a mobile health clinic to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to the community. The mobile health capability is an innovative, effective way to reach people that who need the vaccines and who otherwise would not have access to vaccinations in a timely manner. Vernon Health equipped its mobile clinic van with the ultra-low temperature freezer capability needed to properly store COVID-19 vaccine doses and other medical provisions.

Free COVID-19 Testing

Free testing is available across the County of Los Angeles at drive-up and walk-up testing sites. Beginning February 7, 2022, free COVID-19 drive-thru testing will be available at Vernon City Hall (4305 Santa Fe Ave.). Testing still plays an important role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Appointments are currently not needed; however, appointments can still be made and can help reduce wait times. Please view these FAQs to learn more about COVID-19 testing in Los Angeles County.

You should get tested if you:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Were asked by LA County Department of Public Health to get a test because of a contact tracing or outbreak investigation.
• Were in "close contact" with someone who has COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks.
• Work or live in places such as skilled nursing facilities, group homes, residential care facilities, correctional facilities or homeless shelters.
• Are a person experiencing homelessness.
• Are an essential worker with frequent contacts with the public in the following areas: health care, emergency, food and grocery services, factory workers in food and retail, public transportation, and education.
• Don't have symptoms but believe you may be infected now because you were exposed to people who were sick, were around many people who were not wearing face coverings, and/or were not keeping safe distance in the past 2 weeks.

Eligibility for a COVID-19 test is not affected by:

• Immigration status,
• Health Insurance status,
• Age, or
• Underlying health issues.

For information on all available county testing sites and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.covid19.lacounty.gov/testing or dial 2-1-1, or call 323-238-3324.

COVID-19 Screening Tool

Created in partnership with the CDC, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and FEMA, Apple has released a COVID-19 website, and COVID-19 app. If you think you or a family member have been exposed to COVID-19, you can evaluate symptoms via the in-home screening tool and obtain information about your next steps. More information is available at: www.apple.com/covid19.

Meal and Grocery Delivery

Through a coordinated effort among City staff and the YMCA, seniors/disabled residents in Vernon have access to fresh grocery delivery. Please contact dfigueroa@ci.vernon.ca.us with questions, or to sign up for this delivery option.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The LA Regional Food Bank mobilizes resources to help those in need of food assistance throughout Los Angeles County. If you are in need of food assistance, visit their pantry locator or dial 211.

Protections are currently in place for renters in Los Angeles County affected by COVID-19. For more information, please visit https://dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions/.

City-Owned Housing

Current City of Vernon lessees who experience a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 should contact the City at (323) 826-3648.

Housing at Vernon Village Park

Tenants who have been financially affected by COVID-19, should contact the property management office. Management will work with residents to arrange Promise to Pay Agreements.

Property Tax

Individuals who were unable to pay on time for COVID-19 related reasons can submit a penalty cancellation request online at the website www. ttc.lacounty.gov. 

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, blood donations are dangerously low across the U.S. The demand for blood is strong. Eligible donors are strongly urged to donate: www.redcrossblood.org .

Many have asked how they can help our nurses, doctors & healthcare workers. If you want to donate/know of businesses that may be able to help with personal protective equipment like surgical masks, N95 face masks, face shields & other supplies, email medsupply@dhs.lacounty.gov.

Donate funds to help respond to the COVID-19 emergency. Support nonprofits that are supporting our communities at www.calfund.org and www.unitedwayla.org.

Help a neighbor in need. Build hygiene kits and drop them off at local shelter for people experiencing homelessness. We're in this together. Conduct a wellness check on older family, friends, and neighbors. Call, text, or speak to them through their door. Learn more about ways you can help during the COVID-19 emergency at: www.covid19.lacounty.gov/covid19/how-you-can-help/ or https://californiavolunteers.ca.gov/get-involved/covid-19/.

Los Angeles County, the State of California, and the U.S. Federal Government have declared emergencies to allow greater authority to take measures necessary to protect and preserve public health and safety, including seeking aid from state and federal authorities as necessary. The Federal Communications Commission is ensuring that Americans stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit www.fcc.gov/coronavirus for information. Here are the best sources of official information on the coronavirus: