Markets Shut Down

In an abundance of caution regarding the expected April surge in COVID-19 reports, the Montrose Harvest Market is closed through the end of April.

Messages of Support Welcome

Those who would like to send a message of encouragement to the medical caregivers at USC-VHH are invited to do so. Send an email to deborah.weirick@med.usc.edu and it will be relayed to the staff.

Other ways that people can help include: Feeding our staff. A food train has already been established for the ED and ICU staff, and hopefully all of the critical care units will be added in the near future. To sign up or to learn more, visit bit.ly/uscvhhmeals. 

Donating PPE. N-95 masks are needed as are gloves, wipes and more. Visit keckemedicine.org/coronavirus-donate to learn what sorts of supplies are needed. For small batch donations, contact Cecilia.Pyzow@med.usc.edu. For larger, commercial donations, follow the instructions on the Keck Medicine of USC website.

Donating iPads. In an effort to reduce patient contact and preserve PPE supplies, USC-VHH has rolled out a tele-medicine initiative that would allow nurses and doctors to communicate via FaceTime with patients in isolation.  This also allows patients to communicate with family members who haven’t been able to visit, providing much-needed emotional support. iPads for all patient rooms are needed. People with an iPad to donate can contact Julie.Shadpa@med.usc.edu. 

Ensuring that Drinking Water is Safe

As the country, state, and local communities address Coronavirus (COVID-19), Foothill Municipal Water District (Foothill MWD) reassures the public that local drinking water is safe and reliable. The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has no impact on the quality of local drinking water.

California requires high levels of treatment for drinking water. Safe drinking water standards require a multistep treatment process that includes filtration and disinfection. This process removes and kills viruses, including coronaviruses such as COVID-19, as well as bacteria and other pathogens. Because of the high-level water treatment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not detected the coronavirus (COVID-19) in any drinking water systems.

Foothill MWD performs ongoing water quality testing. The District conducts 780 water quality tests per year that are independently analyzed at advanced state-of-the-art laboratories. These tests are done in addition to the tests performed by Metropolitan Water District and the District’s retail agencies before the water gets to local taps.

While it is necessary to stock bottled water during emergencies, the coronavirus will not disrupt water service to the 80,000 people in Foothill MWD’s service area.

Foothill MWD is also taking preemptive measures to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the communities it serves. The District’s response includes suspending events and classes, implementing social distancing requirements for staff and hosting committee and board meetings via virtual meetings.

The District’s COVID-19 policy will remain in effect through the end of this emergency and is subject to change based on new information and guidance released by federal, state and county health officials.

For additional questions and information call the District at (818) 790-4036 or email at MLE@FMWD.COM.

Services for Older and Dependent Adults 

Free meals are being provided by the Los Angeles County Dept. of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) to adults age 60 and older who are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Call (800) 510-2020 for assistance with meal services.

Meals are provided either at distribution sites or via home-delivered meals. WDACS is transitioning to home-delivered meals at most locations. Sparr Heights Community Center is distributing meals. Call (818) 541-2188 for information.

Adult Protective Services still responds to those victims of elder abuse. To reach the team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call (877) 477-3646.