Each department in the City has been assigned specific roles. These roles are put in place to ensure that members of the Monrovia community will continue to be provided with premier service. 

Monrovia City Council 

The Monrovia City Council understands the significant impact that this pandemic has on our community. During this time, the Council remains dedicated to the well-being of the community by holding emergency meetings, removing barriers that may not allow for essential services to be provided, and researching policies to ensure that our community will not only recover from this situation, but emerge as an even stronger city. 

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Monrovia City Council approved a resolution titled “Proclamation of Existence of Local Emergency," by approving Resolution No. 2020-26. The Resolution was forwarded to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The continued existence of a local state of emergency enables the City to seek reimbursement for expenditures made responding to the emergency. For the first time ever, Council also met via teleconference pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-25-20 whereby City Councilmembers may participate in public meetings via teleconference.

Council has approved several measure which are intended to positively impact the community during this difficult time, including -

• suspending discontinuation or shut-off of water service for residents and businesses in the City for non-payment of water bills
• suspending the imposition of late payment penalties or fees for delinquent water and/or sewer bills
• suspending parking enforcement activities except for illegal parking considered a hazard or danger to the public
  • Parking enforcement resumed on February 15, 2021. 
• suspending the imposition of late payment penalties or fees for parking violations in the City.

Council has also provided direction to protect the health and safety of City employees including firefighters, paramedics, police officers, public works crews and other City employees to ensure continuity of essential public services. 

These measures take effect immediately and will continue throughout the duration of the Local Emergency unless modified. City Council is regularly considering policy matters during this emergency and will meet to discuss at their next meeting or more frequently as needed.

City Manager’s Office 

The City Manager’s Office is responsible for preparing public notices, press releases and communicating on behalf of the City.

In addition, the City Manager is designated as the City’s Emergency Services Director. This means that in the event a Disaster Proclamation is necessary, the manager would request the City Council to make such a proclamation if Council is in session, or may issue the proclamation when out of session, provided Council formally adopts within seven (7) days. A Disaster Proclamation recognizes the existence of a local emergency and assists the City to mobilize resources and provide emergency response.

Personnel policies and procedures, as well as general updates to employees, are also provided by the City Manager’s Office. Communicating effective training, hygiene and updates are important for our first responders, public works crews and hundreds of city employees to pursue a safe working environment.  

Reports from the City Manager

• March 17 Presentation 
• March 31 Presentation 

Police Department

In the police department, the Dispatch Center is handling all emergency calls as it normally would. However, dispatchers are screening callers and determining if a call concerns a person who may have signs or symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19. This query process is helpful in determining if other first responders, such as police officer or firefighters/paramedics, should prepare for a response by using personal protective equipment recommended for COVID-19. Staff is also preparing operational activities that could be necessary if a case is confirmed in Monrovia in addition to preventative measures such as supplying vehicles/equipment with personal protective equipment and training.

Fire Department

The Fire Chief is designated as the Deputy Emergency Services Director and is largely responsible for field operations during emergency events. The department has equipped vehicles with necessary supplies and is providing coordination, training and distribution of information related to the event. They coordinate with healthcare providers in the area to ensure that if someone is exposed to COVID-19, that proper communication happens between the City and agencies that need to be involved, including healthcare providers, the CDC and other regional authorities.  

Public Works Department

Currently, Public Works staff is ensuring all public facilities are functioning as they normally would during regular business hours. They are working hard to ensure sufficient hand soap and paper towels are available in all locations and that trash services are being collected.

To stay up-to-date with accurate information on COVID-19, those in LA County can call 211, or view the following websites:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
• California Department of Public Health 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Additionally, the CDC website has several pages with COVID-19 information targeted to specific audiences:

• High Risk Individuals
• Travelers
• Businesses
• Pregnant Individual and Children
• Schools

Pick-Up Testing Kit

LA County Department of Health Services launched a new program designed to increase and facilitate access to COVID-19 tests for LA County residents unable to obtain appointments.  The program allows residents to pick up a PCR test kit, perform the test, and return the completed kit to designated locations for processing. Residents will be notified of their test results within 24-48 hours. Learn more about the Pick-Up Test Kit Program.  

COVID-19 Vaccines

The following documents and webpages have been updated to include information regarding CDC's latest booster dose changes: 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility table - summarizes eligible ages for primary, additional and booster doses for FDA approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: When You've Been Fully Vaccinated webpage - summarizes information on what to expect after and the benefits of being fully vaccinated. 
• COVID-19 Vaccine: How to Get Vaccinated webpage - booster dose and immunocompromised sections are updated.
• COVID-19 Vaccines Booster Doses table - summarizes booster dose schedule for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson primary vaccine dose recipients.
• COVID-19: Doses for People Who are Immunocompromised table - an additional primary (3rd) dose is strongly recommended for people age 5 and older with moderately or severely weakened immune systems. 

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

FEMA's mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

In April 2021, FEMA began accepting applications. If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief  

In an effort to assist renters with limited means affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has provided $100 million in CARES Act funds to create a COVID-19 Rent Relief program, operated by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).

The emergency rental assistance provided is intended to meet the needs of low-income renters who have struggled to pay their rent and/or who are behind on paying rent due to the economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Those who are most at need will be targeted with more assistance.

The program is available to all residents of the County who qualify, with the exception of residents living in the City of Los Angeles, as the City also received its own allocation of CARES Act funds. A W-9 and participation agreement are needed from the property owners to receive rental income on behalf of their qualified tenant; property owners must agree to the terms of the participation agreement. Citizenship documentation will not be requested from any party (renter or property owner).

A list of Frequently Asked Questions with more program detail is available at rentrelief.lacda.org. 

Learn more about the LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

LA County Resources for Employees, Employers, and Seniors 

The County of Los Angeles is committed to providing residents and their families with important resources throughout the COVID-19 crisis that address financial stressors. 

Unemployment Insurance: File at edd.ca.gov/unemployment or 1-800-300-5616  

EDD WorkShare Program for Employers:

• Information and Application for Employers 
• Phone number for Employers: 1-916-464-3343 
• Phone number for Employees: 1-916-464-3300  

Employer Assistance Grant Fund: California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Los Angeles County will receive state funding to assist local workers and businesses during this crisis. The funding will be used to provide employment, training, and other supportive services to displaced workers, as well as rapid response and layoff aversion services to small and mid-sized businesses.

• Application link for the Employer Assistance Grant Fund

LA County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center: This help center provides relief for businesses and workers. It is staffed with dedicated, helpful support in multiple languages, including Spanish, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, and Armenian. It guides businesses through the process to receive small business loans from the federal government, and provides connections to Layoff Aversion services, tax credits, and comprehensive support for workers.

• Visit the LA County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center website, call 1-833-238-4450 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or disasterhelpcenter@lacounty.gov 

America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) provides workers and job seekers many of the resources normally available in-person at AJCCs, including job openings, online education, and information for recently laid-off workers.

• Virtual AJCC: workforce.lacounty.gov 

Frauds: All LA County residents, especially seniors, should be on the lookout for frauds and schemes that include coronavirus treatments and vaccines, as well as attempts to obtain your Medicare number or other personal information.

• For additional information on healthcare fraud, please visit cahealthadvocates.org or call 1-855-613-7080.  

Elder Abuse: If you are concerned that someone you care about may be the victim of elder or dependent adult abuse, don’t be silent.

• Report it to Adult Protective Services: 1-877-477-3646 

Home Isolation Health Officer Order

The Home Isolation Health Officer Order is required for anyone diagnosed with or showing symptoms of COVID-19. Individuals must self-isolate for at least 7 days and be fever free for 72 hours. These persons are required to follow all instructions in this Order and the Public Health guidance documents referenced in this Order.

Home Quarantine Health Officer Order

The Home Quarantine Health Officer Order requires all household contacts, intimate partners, caregivers, and individuals who have been exposed to a person diagnosed with or showing symptoms of COVID-19 to stay in quarantine for 14 days. Persons quarantined are required to follow all instructions in this Order and the Public Health guidance documents referenced in this Order.  

Food Resources  

Great Plates Delivered: If you're a senior in need of meal assistance, it's not too late to apply to join LA County's Great Plates Delivered Program. Through Great Plates Delivered, LA County is providing three (3) home-delivered meals a day to qualifying older adults & adults over 60 who are at high-risk for COVID-19. This effort aims to assist County residents in need of home delivered meals, as well as help get our local restaurant, hospitality and transportation community back to work.

• Apply for Great Plates Delivered 

CalFresh Emergency Benefit Allotment: The State has authorized an emergency issuance of additional CalFresh (food stamps) benefits for all eligible households.

Senior Meals: WDACS and the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging provide free, home-delivered meals to older adults age 60 and older who are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.   

• Sign up at 1-800-510-2020.  

Find free food near you. County agencies and partners that provide free groceries and meals are expanding their services during COVID-19. View the options and find food distribution sites near you. Some programs also provide delivery.

For assistance, or if you do not have access to the Internet, please dial 2-1-1. Multilingual operators are available to help members of the public find free food resources. 

Additional Resources for Businesses 

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce  Small Business Guide and Checklist 
• California State Treasurer Fiona Ma's Small Business Resource List
• LA Regional Small Business Development Center Network

Links to County, State and Federal Resources 

• OnwardCA - One-stop resource for the people of California impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Superior Court of Los Angeles County
• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

A Message from Mayor Tom Adams

View the latest local updates on COVID-19 with Ralph Walker , Mayor Tom Adams and MUSD Board President Rob Hammond.

Changes to GoMonrovia 

In an effort to combat community spread of COVID-19, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have temporarily suspended their shared ride options across all markets.

Please note, the City Council is aware and concerned of the impact this would have on our residents relying on public transportation. Although GoMonrovia can no longer offer shared rides, the classic ride option is available now for a fixed fare of $3.00 until further notice. The change requires no further action on passengers who already have the GoMonrovia promo code applied in their Lyft app. 

General Guidelines 

• Pickup and drop-off must be within the coverage area, including select medical facilities
• The fixed fare does not apply to rides with added stops 

As a reminder, please limit all nonessential travel and continue to take precautionary measures to ensure your health and safety, and those around you. Learn more about GoMonrovia.  

Price Gouging 

If businesses raise their prices too much during and after the coronavirus health emergency, it may be considered price gouging, a crime in California.

California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10 percent, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.

If you believe you are a victim of price gouging, save your receipts and contact Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or file an online complaint.

What You Need to Know About Pets and COVID-19

Wondering what COVID-19 means for the animals in your life? The Department of Animal Care and Control has the information you need:

• The primary concern of COVID-19 is for human health.
• Dogs and Cats have their own Coronavirus that is NOT the same virus as COVID-19.
• There is no current evidence that you will get COVID-19 from your family pet.
• If you are sick with COVID-19, it is recommended to limit close contact with pets until more information is known about the virus. You should always wash your hands after handling animals as a general rule.

View the Pet Owners FAQ. 

Home Internet Services 

Charter Communications, popularly known as Spectrum, has announced a number of policies in response to COVID-19 to ensure students and families are connected. 

• Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. 
• To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Southern California Edison 

Southern California Edison announced that it is suspending service disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees, effective immediately, for residential and business customers impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.

SCE encourages customers who are having trouble paying their bills to contact the SCE Customer Contact Center to discuss payment extensions or arrangements. SCE also has savings programs for income-qualified customers and follows requirements for customer protections from the California Public Utilities Commission. Details on these programs are available at sce.com/billhelp or by calling 1-800-950-2356.

SoCalGas® CAREs

Water Bill Payments

The City of Monrovia understands that, due to COVID-19, our customers may have concerns about paying their upcoming bills. While timely payment is still encouraged, we will not discontinue water service for non-payment and we will waive late fees through the end of April 2020.   

Ways to Pay Your Water Bill: 

Pay Online With Credit Card or E-Check 
We encourage customers to pay bills online.

Payment By Phone With Credit Card or E-Check
Phone payments may be made by calling 1-800-272-9829.  Enter Option 3 and Jurisdiction Code 1573.

Payment By Check
Payments may be mailed or left in the 24-Hour Drop Box located at the entrance to City Hall.

Electronic Fund Transfer
Sign up for the EFT Program.

Unable to Pay?
If customers need assistance with a payment plan due to financial hardships resulting from COVID-19, please contact us at watercustomersvs@ci.monrovia.ca.us or (626) 932-5517.

To Turn on Water Service or to Discontinue Water Service 

• Sign up for Utility Service
• Discontinue Water Service

For any other inquiries, please contact us at watercustomersvs@ci.monrovia.ca.us or (626) 932-5517.

GoMonrovia 

Please visit the GoMonrovia page for the latest information. 

City Clerk's Office 

General Contact Information 
Phone: (626) 932-5550
Email: aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us 

• Make a Public Records Request

Community Development 

General Contact Information 
Phone: (626) 932-5564
Email: cd@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Building Division
Building permits, plan check, building inspections
Call: (626) 932-5581 
Email: building@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Business License
New business licenses and renewals
Call: (626) 932-5582
Email: license@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Code Enforcement
Code enforcement concerns
Call: (626) 932-5582
Email: ce@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Planning
Zoning, design review, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation
Call: (626) 932-5565
Email: planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Community Services

General Contact Information 
Community Center 
Phone: (626) 256-8246

Monrovia Public Library 
(626) 256-8274

Fire Department 

General Contact Information 
Phone: (626) 256-8181

• Temporary Plan Submittal Process

Public Works Department 

General Contact Information 
Phone: (626) 932-5575
Email: pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us

• Report an Issue 

Monrovia City Council Repeals Urgency Ordinance No. 2020-04U

On October 18, 2022, the Monrovia City Council repealed Urgency Ordinance No. 2020 -04U. 

• View Ordinance No. 2022-08, repealing the emergency mortarium on the eviction of residential tenants for non-payment of rent due to COVDI-19 financial hardships and "no-fault" commercial evictions. 

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance, which adopted emergency regulations that prohibit residential evictions for non-payment of rent and “no-fault” evictions. The ordinance took effect immediately and will remain in place through the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration.

View the Emergency Regulations Prohibiting Residential Evictions. 

Urgency Ordinance Details

• During the existence of the local emergency, no residential property owner or agent shall take any action, or threaten, to evict a tenant in either of the following situations –
  • Nonpayment of rent, late fees, or other fees or charges, if the landlord knows that the tenant is unable to pay the same due to financial impacts related to COVID-19
  • No-fault eviction unless immediately necessary for the health and safety of tenants, neighbors or the landlord, other than based on illness of the tenant or any other occupant of the residential rental
• Tenant must notify the landlord
  • Tenant must give notice of inability to pay rent within 7 days after the date rent is due.
  • Tenant must notify landlord in writing that tenant has incurred financial impacts as defined by the ordinance 
  • Within 30 days after the date rent is due, tenant must provide written documentation to landlord to support the tenant’s inability to pay all or part of the rent due.
• For purposes of this ordinance, “financial impacts” means –
  • Loss of the tenant’s monthly household income due to business closure
  • Loss of compensable hours of work or wages
  • Extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses
• A financial impact is “related to COVID-19” if resulted from any of the following–
  • Tenant’s own diagnosis with COVID-19 or the tenant’s need to care for a household or immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Layoff, loss of hours, or other income reduction resulting from business closure or other economic or employer impacts
  • Compliance with a recommendation or order from the County Health Officer to stay at home, isolate, self-quarantine, or avoid congregating with others during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
  • Extraordinary out-of-pocket expenses related to diagnosis and testing for treatment of COVID-19
  • Additional child care costs arising from school closures related to COVID-19
• During the period of local emergency, all residential tenants shall pay timely that portion of the rent the tenant is able to pay.
  • Nothing is this ordinance relieves tenants of any liability for unpaid rent which landlords may seek after expiration of the local emergency.
  • Tenants must pay all rent that is due within 6 months following the termination of this local emergency. All tenants are encouraged to work hand-in-hand with landlords.
• Finally, this ordinance prevents the enforcement of non-payment eviction notices, no-fault eviction notices, and unlawful detainer actions based on such notices and may be used as defense to any such action by a landlord in violation of this ordinance.

Monrovia City Council Repeals Urgency Ordinance No. 2020-05U 

On September 7, 2021, the Monrovia City Council repealed Urgency Ordinance No. 2020-05U. 

• View Ordinance No. 2021-08U, repealing the emergency moratorium on the eviction of commercial tenants for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19 financial hardships and "no-fault" commercial evictions. 

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance (No. 2020-05U), which adopted emergency regulations to prohibit commercial evictions for non-payment of rent and “no-fault” evictions. The ordinance took effect immediately and will remain in place through the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration. This ordinance follows a similar ordinance prohibiting residential evictions which was approved on March 31, 2020. Now, both residential and commercial “non-payment of rent” and “no-fault” evictions are prohibited during the COVID-19 emergency.   

View the Emergency Regulations Prohibiting Commercial Evictions. 

• During the existence of the local emergency, no commercial property owner or agent shall take any action, or threaten, to evict a tenant in either of the following situations -
  • Nonpayment of rent, late fees, or other fees or charges, if the landlord knows that the tenant is unable to pay the same due to financial impacts related to COVID-19
  • No-fault eviction unless immediately necessary for the health and safety of tenants, neighbors or the landlord, other than based on illness of the tenant or any other occupant of the tenant or any other occupant
• Tenant must notify the landlord
  • Tenant must give notice of inability to pay rent within 7 days after the date rent is due.
  • Tenant must notify landlord in writing that tenant has incurred financial impacts as defined by the ordinance
  • Within 30 days after the date rent is due, tenant must provide written documentation to landlord to support the tenant’s inability to pay all or part of the rent due.
  • Also, it is important that tenant has applied for applicable state and federal aid programs and must supply to the landlord.
• For purposes of this ordinance, “financial impacts” means –
  • Loss of the tenant’s monthly business income due to business closure
  • Loss of compensable business, sales, or fees
  • Extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses
• A financial impact is “related to COVID-19” if resulted from any of the following–
  • A key employee or manager of the tenant’s diagnosis with COVID-19 or that person’s need to care for a household or immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Loss of business, fees or business income resulting from the Safer at Home Order, a business closure, or other economic impacts of COVID-19
  • Compliance with a recommendation or order from the County Health Officer to close the business, stay at home, isolate, self-quarantine, or avoid congregating with others during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
  • Extraordinary out-of-pocket expenses related to diagnosis and testing for treatment of COVID-19
  • The business owner, manager or key employees’ need to provide additional child care costs arising from school closures related to COVID-19
• During the period of local emergency, all tenants shall pay timely that portion of the rent the tenant is able to pay.
  • Nothing in this ordinance relieves tenants of any liability for unpaid rent which landlords may seek after expiration of the local emergency.
  • Tenants must pay all rent that is due within 6 months following the termination of this local emergency. All tenants are encouraged to work hand-in-hand with landlords.
• Finally, this ordinance prevents the enforcement of non-payment eviction notices, no-fault eviction notices, and unlawful detainer actions based on such notices and may be used as defense to any such action by a landlord in violation of this ordinance.

Testing is currently recommended 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.

For a full list of locations and answers to questions about testing, go to covid19.lacounty.gov

Local Restaurant App

While remaining Safe at Home, Rob McClinton, a Monrovian, found a creative way to support local restaurants by creating the Be Local Strong: Monrovia app! Not only does the incredible app let you know which restaurants are operating, but it also shares whether they have curbside or other delivery, a link to order your meal, address and contact info, type of food, and an opportunity to favorite it.

Be sure to bookmark the link, so it's easily accessible the next time you're hungry. This is both a phenomenal and convenient way to support our local restaurants.

Many of our local restaurants are currently open and offer both take out and app-based delivery services such as GRUBHUB or DOORDASH. Please call the restaurant and check the hours of operations as things are changing daily.

View a list of the local restaurants. 

Here's How You Can Help 

Giving food-related offers and donations. Does your business or organization seek to sell or donate food-related resources to support COVID-19 response efforts?  The County is helping to match available food resources with those in need. Fill out an online questionnaire to let us know what food resources you have to share. Our partner providers are in need of food resources, services, and equipment including:

• Prepared meals ready-to-eat meals: no heating required 
• Prepared meals: just heat and service 
• Groceries: non-perishable, shelf stable food items and perishable food such as produce, meats, and dairy
• Specialty foods: Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and other specialty options 
• Food delivery: drivers and vehicles, including special vehicle types such as refrigerated trucks

Other types of donation and support. Looking for other ways to lend a hand during this crisis? Explore the County’s COVID-19 resource page to learn how you can help, from doing wellness checks on older neighbors to donating blood.

Starting a food pantry. Interested in offering free food to community members? If you already have food to re-distribute or are planning to collect food items from private sources, please follow these Guidelines for Charitable Feeding Operations. If you are interested in receiving donated food to re-distribute, consider partnering with the L.A. Regional Food Bank, which is currently accepting new applications for partner pantries.

Joining a food recovery network. There are a number of organizations that use mobile apps with matching technology to recover unused food from restaurants and other businesses and re-distribute it to communities in need. If you work for a restaurant or other business that is interested in donating food, look for the following in your mobile app store:

• Food Finders
• ChowMatch
• Postmates Merchant App

Volunteer your time. L.A. Works matches community organizations with volunteer labor and other resources.

Foothill Unity Center Wish List

Through this situation, the Foothill Unity Center remains open to provide vital services that are needed now more than ever. However, your help is needed! As demands increase, so do the needs for donation.

Six-Feet Physical Distancing

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is asking everyone to do their part to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus in our community by keeping six-feet physical distancing. This means making changes in our daily lives to protect ourselves and others, including those who are most at risk. People who are sick or who have been in contact with people who have COVID-19 should take stronger measures than social distancing to reduce the risk of infecting others. 

What is physical distancing?
Physical distancing means staying home, avoiding crowds and staying at least 6 feet away from others whenever
possible.

Wear a Face Covering 

Members of the general public should use a clean face covering anytime they will be in contact with other people who are not household members in public or private spaces.  It is important to note that face coverings are not a substitute for always practicing physical distancing  and frequent hand washing.

Recent information has indicated that covering your nose and mouth can slow the spread of COVID-19 because:

• Individuals can be contagious before the onset of symptoms. You may be contagious and do not know it. If you have covered your nose and mouth, it can limit the spread of COVID-19.
• We touch our face less when our face is covered. Touching your face after touching something contaminated with COVID-19 increases your chances of getting sick with COVID-19.

Learn more about cloth face coverings. 

Prevent Illness from Spreading  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided steps that every person can take to prevent illness. Members of the community are encouraged to:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Clean and disinfect "high touch" objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • When cleaning, use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product that cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs). As always, please be sure to follow the instructions on the labels of cleaning products and disinfectants.
• Get immunized against the flu to protect yourself and your family, and reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system, which may be impacted by COVID-19 concerns.

Prepare for Possible Disruptions  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds the public, those who are at high risk and those with underlying diseases to continue to prepare for possible disruptions in daily activities. All are advised to:

• Make sure you have a supply of all essential medications for your family;
• Have enough household items and groceries so that you will be prepared to stay home for a period of time;
• Make a plan for child care in case you or a care giver are sick;
• Make arrangements for how your family will manage a school closure;
• Make a plan for how you can care for a sick family member without getting sick yourself;
• Understand your employer’s policies regarding leave and options for working from home; and
• Avoid crowds especially in poorly ventilated spaces;

CDC Provides Steps to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care 

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
• Avoid public areas:Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face covering. 

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

• Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often

• Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items

• Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
• Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

• Clean and disinfect: Practice routine cleaning of high touch surfaces.
  • High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
• Disinfect areas with bodily fluids: Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
• Household cleaners: Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Monitor your symptoms

• Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
• Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
• Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a face covering before emergency medical services arrive.

Discontinuing home isolation

• Stay at home until instructed to leave: Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
• Talk to your healthcare provider: The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments. 

For additional steps on how to prevent illness, visit the CDC website. 

What is COVID-19? 

The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and was first identified by Chinese authorities in mid-December 2019.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which cause illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people, as seen with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). However, COVID-19 has clearly progressed to human-to-human transmission. 

How is it transmitted?

COVID-19 are most commonly spread from persons to others through:

• Air by coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands 
• Touching objects or surfaces with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands
• Rarely, fecal contamination 

What are the signs and symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell