Coronavirus Update: Cases and Deaths in Los Angeles County:

There are now 1,465 cases with 26 deaths reported in the County of Los Angeles as of Friday, March 27 at noon. This includes 23 cases in Glendale; Burbank has 6 cases, Eagle Rock has 3 cases, La Cañada Flintridge has 6 cases, Sunland has 1 case and Tujunga has 2 cases.

       As of Friday, March 27 at 9:40 a.m., USC-VHH is reporting that there are 7 patients with confirmed COVID-19 currently in the hospital and 11 patients have been sent home. There are 7 patients who tested negative for COVID-19 who are in the hospital with 52 were sent home. Patients with pending COVID-19 tests are 8 currently in the hospital with 13 who have been sent home.

Scam Alert Issued

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today, Friday, March 27, reminded customers to be on alert for potential scams targeting utility customers during the COVID-19 outbreak. One common scam involves telling customers they must pay their gas bill immediately or their natural gas service will be disconnected. SoCalGas does not call customers seeking payment and had suspended service disconnections for customers until further notice. SoCalGas provides tips on how to recognize and respond to these scams:

Tips include–

• Spotting common scam tactics such as Caller ID spoofing, phishing emails and texts, and utility imposters.
• Always ask to see SoCalGas photo ID badge before letting someone inside. All SoCalGas employees on company business are required to carry a badge.
• Customers are encouraged to verify the employee’s uniform and identification. Most of our authorized employees will always be in a uniform with our company logo, carry an official employee badge, and drive a company car. Take shorter showers to reduce your natural gas use.

       Visit socalgas.com/scam-alert for additional tips and information about scams. 

Safer at Home

In reporting hiking trials, grocery stores and farmers markets that are open CVW reminds its readers that it is Safer at Home; however, for those who need to shop for groceries or want to go for walks along trials that are still open within the Angeles National Forest or on local streets remember to keep social distancing.

       Social distancing means to remain out of congregate settings, avoid mass gatherings and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. This is because when someone coughs or sneezes, small droplets of spray come from their nose or mouth. People standing near can breathe in the droplets, which may contain the coronavirus if the person coughing/sneezing is infected with the virus, according to the World Health Organization.

       There are also many rumors going around about the coronavirus. Visit www.who.int and click on Mythbusters to get up-to-date information on the science of the virus. 

From CVHS

Crescenta Valley High School sports and recreation facilities will be closed until further notice. This includes the basketball courts and athletic fields. This is being done in order to protect the health and safety of the community and in accordance with guidance from state and local health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

       All Glendale Unified School District schools are closed as well. This includes all soccer fields and campuses.

From U.S. Forest Service and Angeles National Forest

The Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest Service, in response to the recent statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the governor of California, is joining the cause to aggressively mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by closing developed recreation facilities on our national forests statewide through April 30.

      “Developed recreation sites” refers to designated recreational use areas designed to facilitate public use. Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available from local national forests at www.fs.usda.gov/angeles.

       While designated recreation sites will be closed, the general forest area including the extensive trail system will remain open and available to the public. Hiking and walking outdoors are widely considered beneficial to maintaining one’s health. It is the intent of USDA Forest Service to maintain trail access to the extent practicable. The Angeles National Forest will continue to monitor usage as the situation evolves; access is subject to change.

       Everyone is reminded to maintain social distancing, keeping at least six feet apart from others.

From the Office of LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey

Fraudsters Take Advantage of the 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is underway and it is the civic duty of everyone to participate, but beware of scammers using this opportunity to steal personal information.

       In the census scam, con artists send emails claiming to be United States Census Bureau representatives ask for information such as Social Security numbers and bank or credit card accounts. They also may request donations.

       Crooks also will go house-to-house giving the false impression that they are collecting census responses.

       Tips

       The U.S. Census Bureau will never ask for donations or Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card details.

       The U.S. Census Bureau will not send an email. Those who receive an email should not reply, click any links or open any attachments.

       If someone visits your home, verify their identity by checking for a valid identification badge with their photograph, a U.S. Dept. of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.

       Those who suspect criminal activity should contact the local law enforcement agency.