COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates

Public Orders

Frequently Asked Questions

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Many of them infect animals, but some coronaviruses from animals can evolve (change) into a new human coronavirus that can spread from person-to-person. This is what happened with the new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease known as COVID-19. Diseases from coronaviruses in people typically cause mild to moderate illness, like the common cold. Some, like the SARS or MERS viruses cause serious infections like pneumonia.

How are coronaviruses spread?

Like other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, human coronaviruses most commonly spread to others from an infected person who has symptoms through:

Droplets produced through coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as caring for an infected person
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

We are learning more each day about how easily the new coronavirus spreads and how long it takes for people to become sick. As information becomes available, we will keep you informed. Do not assume that someone of a race or nationality is likely to have COVID-19; this new virus has infected people of many different races and nationalities across the entire world.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Reported illnesses have ranged from people with mild symptoms to people becoming severely ill, requiring admission to the hospital, and dying. Symptoms include:

Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Severe illness

What should I do if I have these symptoms and recently traveled to an affected country?

Evidence from other countries suggest that like the flu, most people will have mild symptoms and should stay home until 24 hours after fever. Certain people should call their doctor early, including the elderly, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical problems. If you are having difficulty breathing or keeping fluids down, go to an emergency room or call 911, otherwise it is better to call your doctor before going in to seek care.

You should also call a doctor if you have had close contact with a person who has COVID-19. Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for an up to date list of countries most affected by COVID-19.

Can I get tested for the coronavirus?

Los Angeles County recommends all residents who want a COVID-19 test should first call their Primary Care Provider or Health Care Center to get a test at their facility. If this care is not available, testing is offered across the County of Los Angeles. To find sites and make appointments visit the Los Angeles County Health Services COVID-19 Testing page.

The closest testing sites to Lynwood include MLK Medical Campus, South Gate Park, St. John's Well Child and Family Center/Compton and Rancho Los Amigos/South Campus (August 2020).

How is novel coronavirus treated?

There is no specific treatment for illness caused by the novel coronavirus, however, many of the symptoms can be treated. Treatment is based on the patient's condition.

Is the coronavirus spreading in the United States?

There have been several cases identified in the United States that have not had travel to affected country. This does suggest there is community spread in the United States and that spread may continue.

How can I protect myself when I travel?

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people avoid all nonessential travel to countries that are most affected by COVID-19. Check the CDC COVID-19

View the Information for Travel Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Taking steps to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, like the flu, will also help to prevent coronaviruses. Talk with your doctor before travel to make sure you have received the recommended vaccines and medications specific to your destination to protect your health.

What actions are being taken by the Federal Government regarding travelers from mainland China and Iran?

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China and Iran, there are White House travel directives in place:

Restricting all foreign nationals who have traveled or been in mainland China and Iran in the past 14 days from entering the U.S. This order can be renewed by the President every 14 days.
Requiring all U.S. citizens and their close family members returning from mainland China to enter through one of eleven airports in the U.S. (including LAX), where they will be screened by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.
If travelers are showing signs of respiratory illness, they will be sent for additional testing to a health care facility.
If travelers were in the Hubei Province at any time in the past 14 days, they will be quarantined at a secure location and monitored for illness for 14 days from their last exposure.
If travelers are returning from other places in mainland China and have been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, they may also be subject to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure.
If travelers are returning from all other parts of mainland China and they have not been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, they will be allowed to travel to their final destination where they will be monitored by their local public health department and asked to remain in their homes and avoid public places for 14 days from last exposure.

What actions are being taken by the federal government regarding travelers from other affected countries?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that any traveler from other countries with outbreaks of COVID-19 who may have fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, within 14 days after leaving should call their doctor and self-isolate (avoid contact with others and not travel on public transportation while sick).

How will Public Health monitor travelers who are self-isolated?

With the new travel guidance, Public Health will regularly monitor potential cases to see if they develop any symptoms or fever. This is the same process we use with other communicable diseases, such as measles. Public Health will also monitor contacts for 14 days after the time of their last exposure, after which time they are free of the risk of developing COVID-19.

What can I do to protect myself and others from respiratory infections like COVID-19?

As with other respiratory illnesses, there are steps that everyone can take daily to reduce the risk of getting sick or infecting others with circulating viruses. You should:

Stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands often 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.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
Get a flu shot to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

Should I wear a facemask?

Facemasks or face coverings are required when out in public.

Could there be school or business closures?

If COVID-19 is spreading widely through a community it may be necessary to recommend that schools or business close to help prevent the spread of disease. Public health is encouraging organizations and schools to review and update their emergency plans and consider ways to continue critical services if on-site operations must be reduced temporarily. Speak with your children's school or daycare center to learn about their emergency operation plan and prepare ahead for possible alternate childcare arrangements. Also speak with employers and learn about what you might be asked to do if there are closures or reduced operations at your worksite.

What can I do if I get stressed about COVID-19?

When you hear, read, or watch news about an outbreak of an infectious disease, it is normal to feel anxious and show signs of stress-even when the outbreak affects people far from where you live and you are at low risk of getting sick. It is important to care for your own physical and mental health. For tips on what you can do to help cope, read "Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks" on the Public Health website. For help, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Center 24/7 Helpline at 800-854-7771 or call 211.

What else can I do?

Find a healthcare provider if you don't already have one
Update your emergency kits with food, water and supplies to last a few days in case there is a need for quarantine. Although this is unlikely, it is important to be prepared as you would for any other emergency
Continue to encourage welcoming environments for all members of our community
Always check with reliable sources for the up-to-date, accurate information about novel coronavirus

If you have questions and would like to speak to someone, call 211.

View All

Guidance for Re-Opening Businesses

How We're Responding

The City continues to prepare for COVID-19 to ensure that members of the Lynwood community are informed and kept safe as possible.

City Manager's Office

The City Manager's Office is responsible for preparing public notices, press releases and communicating on behalf of the City. At this time, the City Manager's Office is preparing to provide updates related to COVID-19 so residents know where to get latest information.

Keeping residents and employees safe is a priority for the City of Lynwood. Here are steps the City is taking to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19:

Effective Monday March 16th:

All recreation facilities will be closed
The Youth Center will remain open for the after-school program
The Senior Center will be open for the Meal Program from 11 am to 1 pm on March 13 (Friday), March 16 (Monday) and March 17 (Tuesday)
The Meal Program will shift to a once-per-week Meal program on March 18 (Wednesday)
If you visit City Hall, we will not have a receptionist. There is a phone in the lobby of the building you are visiting where you can contact Human Resources, Finance, City Clerk and the City Manager's office
City offices and spaces now undergo a deep-cleaning three times a day
Public Facilities are now sanitized on an hourly basis

Urgency Ordinance 1733

Urgency Ordinance 1733 (PDF) of the City of Lynwood enacting a moratorium on evictions for renters and owners of residential and commercial properties in the city.

Urgency Ordinance 1734

Urgency Ordinance 1734 (PDF) is an emergency moratorium upon hotels, motels, short term rentals, including Airbnbs, or other residential properties for hire or rent located in the City of Lynwood from converting or utilizing their businesses or properties for homeless housing purposes or uses without prior City approval.

Protective Measures

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus from the World Health Organization:

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain Social Distancing

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose & Mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If You Have Fever, Cough & Difficulty Breathing, Seek Medical Care Early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay Informed & Follow Advice Given by Your Healthcare Provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection Measures During COVID-19 Spreading

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Follow the guidance previously outlined, also:

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses

Resources

Small Business Resources

The COVID-19 economic relief bill that was signed into law last week includes provisions to will help small businesses and non-profits survive during the pandemic. Here are the programs:

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.

Disaster Assistance

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are currently eligible to apply for disaster assistance.

For more information visit the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan page.

Enhanced Debt Relief

Enhanced Debt Relief is also available in SBA's other business loan programs to help small businesses overcome the challenges created by this health crisis.

For more information on all the SBA programs for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic visit the SBA Local Assistance page.

SBA provides local assistance via 68 district offices and a nationwide network of resource partners. To find the nearest office visit the SBA Local Assistance page.

SBA Disaster Loans

The application link is now open for any California business wishing to apply for a disaster loan related to economic damage from the COVID-19 health crisis.

Requirements needed to apply for SBA loan:

Must be in a qualified disaster area (all of California qualifies)
Must have suffered economic injury; this means a business is unable to meet its obligations to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses
The funds can be used to pay fixed debt and payroll, the funds cannot be used to supplement lost revenue or fund an expansion

Here is a link to some resources that the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy (JEDE) has made available to help small businesses, entrepreneurs, workers, and economic and workforce development professionals respond to COVID related challenges: COVID-19 Resources.

More Relevant Resources

Truck drivers who are self employed over the last 12 months can get assistance from the Opportunity Fund
- Opportunity Fund also provide loans to low income folks, women and people of color (POC)
Ifundwomen also is offering grants to small businesses which have deadlines soon. They also provide expertise on how to effectively crowdfund for your business
Small Business Majority is providing resources from EDD for unemployment for employees and other services that employers can offer to employees
Lendistry is also providing low interest loans and SBA disaster loan assistance. Their loans should be applied to as soon as possible because they look at the recent business records
The virtual business recovery center will walk small business owners through any questions that they have about the SBA disaster loan process; they can be reached at 800-659-2955
Several technical assistance providers are available to help constituents walk through the process of preparing loan packages for the SBA disaster loan funds and other loans that may be made available by the federal government. Here are a few resources to point constituents to:
- Long Beach City College Small Business Development Center (LBCC SBDC), call 213-580-7587
- Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (need not be Pacific Asian to get help), call 213-353-3982
- California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (statewide service), call 310-263-3060
- Asian Pacific Islander Women's Business Center (need not be a female or Asian Pacific Islander to get help), call 213-473-1605
Finally JEDE is putting out regularly updated information on resources