Together We Will Beat COVID-19

16 Mar Together We Will Beat COVID-19

Due to the unprecedented public health crisis, we want to inform you that Community Coalition is suspending in-person operations beginning today, Monday, March 16th. As with everything we do, now is the time for all of us to unite to defeat the spread of COVID-19. And, as all things we unite around, we will win. 

These are uncertain times, and every precaution must be made, especially as an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of our community’s most treasured asset—you, our members. Los Angeles County has confirmed 69 cases of COVID-19 as of March 15^th with unknown exposure and one fatality associated with the virus. It’s imperative that we proactively support the coordination of the countywide containment and prevention plan. We will be joining other community-based organizations in doing so as an act of solidarity with everyone in our community who might be at risk.

While this is a temporary pause, our movement work must go on. We recognize that we are going to have to be creative in fulfilling our mission during this unique time. Our staff and resident leaders will operate remotely starting today. We won’t be able to engage with our members face-to-face, as is our custom. We also won’t be able to physically engage with you in organizing and civic engagement activities, which is our norm.

Community Coalition remains an anchor institution of South LA and upholds our responsibility to espouse our values and win policy victories. We recognize and acknowledge those who are most vulnerable and the implications COVID-19 is having on job security, housing, and more. We’re reminded of the importance of building and protecting our social safety net, especially in times like this, and we remain committed to furthering an agenda that supports the well-being of all peoples regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious affiliation, and geography.

I ask that you please keep an eye out for continued communication via email and on CoCo’s social media (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). As part of today’s letter, I also ask that you read the guide we’ve put together on understanding the virus and how best to combat its spread. That is below.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and stay safe. 

Yours in Solidarity,

Alberto Retana
President & CEO

Coronavirus Guide

What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Many of them infect animals, but some coronaviruses from animals can evolve (change) and infect humans, then spread from person-to-person. This is what happened with the current novel coronavirus. For more information, go to trusted sites like:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
• California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/

Up to date information about the virus can be found here.

Preventative Measures
Practice social distancing measures such as:

• Avoiding nonessential travel 
• Avoiding public gatherings, places where large groups congregate and event venues (large events of 50 people or more) 
• Avoiding crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces 
• Staying six feet apart from others in public venues, if you must go out 

Early data suggest older adults are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because immune systems change with age, making it harder to fight off diseases and infection. Older adults also are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.

Please make sure you are taking care of yourselves and exercising caution to prevent the spread of bacteria by continuing to do the following:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds 
• Use hand sanitizer 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands 
• Practice social distancing and avoid contact with people who may display symptoms 
• Stay away from work, school, or other people if you become sick with respiratory, and symptoms, fever and cough 

Beware of Scams
Safety from public health threats like COVID-19 comes from our community strength and collective action, and our health depends on each other. We encourage all of our members to rely on facts, not fear or rumors, and to be mindful of Coronavirus scams.

What are the recommendations from L.A. County’s DPH?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) recommends that the following groups practice social distancing immediately and avoid being in close contact with others who are ill:

• Pregnant women 
• Individuals with underlying health conditions such as:
  • Heart, lung, or kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Compromised immune systems