LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2020 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region in partnership with the LA County Office of Emergency Management will support the Los Angeles Unified School District at their meal distribution centers, which are set to open Wednesday, March 18. Several food centers in the communities served will be set up from 7 – 10 a.m. for families and children to pick up boxed meals.

The Red Cross, the county and other partners are committed to assisting children and families in need of a meal. No child will be turned away. Red Cross volunteers also will provide disaster preparedness information for families at each site.

Last week, Los Angeles Unified announced they will close schools starting today, Monday, March 16, for at least 14 days (until the end of the month), citing concerns regarding the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Los Angeles Unified enrolls about more than half a million students in kindergarten through 12th grade; 80 percent of whom rely on free or reduced-price lunches.

“The Red Cross is here to help during times of need, and here in LA, there is need: School cancellations are visiting hardship and hunger on many students,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “We are so pleased to staff these food distribution sites with Red Cross volunteers and call on Angelenos to join us by signing up to volunteer to help feed our schoolchildren.”

SEE: To sign up to volunteer at a Los Angeles Unified meal distribution center, please visit: redcross.org/la-covid

The health and well-being of all parties involved is of the utmost concern, and the Red Cross and Los Angeles Unified will be taking many precautions to make sure their safety has been taken into consideration. Los Angeles Unified will have thermometers to monitor student and employee health, and everyone will be asked to wash their hands upon arrival.

Red Cross volunteers will also practice social distancing, wear gloves and maintain a 6-foot distance at the meal distribution sites. We are using the same guidance required by the Department of Public Health and the CDC.

We know this is a stressful time and people want to know what they can do right now to protect themselves and their families. That’s why the Red Cross is highlighting some everyday health and preparedness steps that Angelenos can take now.

There are also special recommendations for people who may be at a higher risk which you can find below.

LIMIT THE SPREAD OF GERMS AND PREVENT INFECTION

The Red Cross recommends following common sense steps to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; throw used tissues in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets and countertops.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them - use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Full information on how to disinfect found here.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick. You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

GET YOUR HOUSEHOLD READY

There are things you can do right now to be ready for any emergency, and many of these same tips will help you prepare as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve in the U.S.

• Have a supply of food staples and household supplies like laundry detergent and bathroom items, and diapers if you have small children.
• Check to make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of your prescription medications, and have other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
• Know how your local public health agency will share information in your community and stay informed. Find more information here.
• Learn how your children’s school or daycare, and your workplace will handle a possible outbreak. Create a plan in the event of any closings, event cancellations or postponements.
• If you care for older adults or children, plan and prepare for caring for them, should they or you become sick.
• Help family members and neighbors get prepared and share the safety messaging with those who may not have access to it.

According to the CDC, patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Call your doctor if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms.

WHO IS AT A HIGHER RISK?

COVID-19 is a new disease, which means scientists and public health experts are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes and to what extent it may spread in the U.S.

Early information shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this virus. This includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

• If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or a serious medical condition, it is extra important for you to take actions to avoid getting sick.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Stock up on supplies.
  • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
  • If you cannot get extra medications, consider using a mail-order option.
  • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
  • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. Full information for those at a higher risk is available here.

UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

For the latest information, please visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/covid19.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.