COVID-19 Update: Safer at Home Extended through May 15
Posted on 04/10/2020
Friends,
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health expects a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the coming week. This concern has prompted the City to take additional steps to ensure Angelenos stay safer at home:
Recreation and Parks Facilities are Closed for Easter - The Mayor announced that all park facilities will be closed to the public to prevent an increase in holiday gatherings, beginning the evening of Saturday, April 11 through the morning of Monday, April 13. Restrooms in parks will remain open during normal hours.
Worker Protection Order - The Mayor initiated this order starting today which directs employees and customers at many non-medical essential businesses such as grocery stores will be required to wear face coverings -- to protect those taking care of us. Workers at these businesses are also required to wear a covering, which employers must provide.
Safer at Home Order Extension - The Mayor announced the stay at home order will remain in effect until May 15. All Angelenos should continue to remain indoors except for essential activities such as grocery shopping, obtaining medical supplies and exercising. Social distancing guidelines remain in place. All non-essential businesses will remain closed, along with beaches, walking trails and parks.
In other COVID-19 related updates:
Federal Income Tax Deadline Extended- The Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed.
LA County Property Taxes - Los Angeles County property owners affected by the COVID-19 virus may have late penalties cancelled if they are unable to pay their property taxes by the April 10 deadline. The County of Los Angeles does not have the authority to extend the April 10 deadline, as outlined by State Law. However, beginning on April 11, the day after property taxes are due, people unable to pay on time for reasons related to COVID-19 may submit a request for penalty cancellation online. The department has set up a special team online to process these requests.
I know people are finding creative ways via video calls or messaging to maintain good physical distancing while committing to social solidarity to beat the pandemic. Please check in with your friends, family, and neighbors this holiday weekend. We will get through this, together.
Please take care,
MITCH O’FARRELL
IN THE NEWS
State to turn St Vincent into COVID-19 Treatment Center [LA Times]
Coronavirus Could Lead to Chaos in Housing [Beverly Press]
O’Farrell Asks Congress for Tenant, Landlord Protections [Los Feliz Ledger]
BRIDGE HOUSING SUCCESS STORY
HOLLYWOOD - When Councilmember O'Farrell identified a City parking lot on Schrader Blvd in Hollywood as a potential site for bridge housing, it was to help people like Alina Carmona. Our office profiled Alina this week, as we celebrated one year since the opening of bridge housing on Schrader. The facility has 72 beds and on-site services, helping numerous Angelenos like Alina get back on their feet. Alina has now been able to transition into permanent housing in a nearby neighborhood.
ECHO PARK - Councilmember O'Farrell has been visiting local non-profit organizations around the district, dropping off masks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and other necessities for those who are without during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to The Dream Center, St. Barnabas Senior Services, and the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic in Silver Lake for the continued partnership.
ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
LOS ANGELES - Critical Delivery Service is a free delivery program for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The service delivers groceries, household items, and other vital necessities to those who are unable to leave their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See link for more info or call 1-888-863-7411.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 13 - In an effort to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell is compiling a list of restaurants in the 13th District that are offering delivery and take-out services. Please help support our local small businesses!
HOLLYWOOD - Thank you to the Los Angeles Conservation Corps and volunteers from the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council who assembled 250 food boxes for seniors in the neighborhood. This a regularly occurring program that Councilmember O’Farrell is happy to help partially fund. Thank you Ferris Wehbe, Louis Abramson, and all who helped give wings to this community service project that ensures our most vulnerable neighbors are being taken care of.
