Last update 1/18/21
How does COVID-19 spread and who is at risk?
Public health officials with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are
continuing to study the spread and effects of COVID-19 across the United
States. The CDC does not fully understand how it spreads but it seems
to infect people fairly easily for those in close contact with one another
(within about 6 feet). The virus is thought to be mainly spread through
droplets of fluid that a person coughs or sneezes into the air. It may
also be spread if you touch a surface with the virus on it, such as a
door knob, steering wheel, or a store key pad, and then touch your eyes,
nose or mouth.
People are thought to be most contagious when they have symptoms and are
sick. However, studies show that a significant portion of individuals
with COVID-19 lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even
those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”)
can transmit the coronavirus to others before showing symptoms. This means
that the coronavirus can spread between people interacting in close proximity.
It is critical that you frequently keep your hands washed and maintain
at least 6 feet distance from other people when you go out in public places.
On May 14, the City of Los Angeles issued an order requiring all residents
to wear non-medical face coverings outside of their homes, except for
young children at risk for suffocation and people with certain disabilities,
to help stop the spread of the virus as stay-at-home restrictions are
gradually eased. This is in addition to the Worker Protection Order issued
on April 7 requiring workers in essential businesses to wear non-medical
face coverings. See more information below.
You are most at risk if you are over 60 years of age. People of any age
with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness
from COVID-19: cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease), immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant,
obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes
mellitus. People with other conditions might be at an increased risk,
including pregnant women.
Current cases in Los Angeles County, the United States, and the spread
by state is on our
COVID-19 Facts page, updated regularly.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
Some people who have been sick from COVID-19 have had only mild symptoms
while others have become severely ill. Symptoms usually appear gradually,
2 to 14 days after exposure. As of May 13, the CDC has revised its list
of symptoms. People with the following symptoms or combinations of symptoms
may have COVID-19:
Symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of smell and taste
- Congestion or runny nose
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have been reported,
including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Please consult with your doctor for any other symptoms that are severe
or concerning to you.
Severe Symptoms
If you have any of these emergency warning signs get medical attention
immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
This list is not all possible symptoms. Please consult with your doctor
for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency.
What should I do if I think I'm sick with COVID-19?
If you have mild symptoms, there may be no need to see a doctor. If you
are feeling sick and think you might have COVID-19, contact your primary
care doctor by phone or email first before going in. Your doctor’s
office will decide the next steps for your care. If you are elderly, have
underlying health conditions or are pregnant may be at higher risk of
serious illness and should contact your doctor early if you are sick.
Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency. This information was obtained from the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health (LACDPH).
In addition, to help prevent the spread to others, if you are mildly sick,
the CDC and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) have
issued guidelines on what to do. These were updated on May 8, which include
staying home (self-isolating) for at least 10 days and until 72 hours
after being fever and symptom free. Visit the
CDC website for more information. The LACDPH has provided downloadable PDFs with information about
staying home and
home isolation. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen.
If you are coming to Valley Presbyterian Hospital's Emergency Department
or another entrance, and you have a fever, cough or problems breathing,
please call ahead beforehand or let our care team know immediately upon
arrival so that we can safely provide appropriate care. Please be advised
that as of March 20, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has a "No Visitor"
policy for accompanying patients to the Emergency Department, and for
visiting patients, with a few exceptions. More information is on our
COVID-19 portal page.
Can I get tested for the coronavirus at Valley Presbyterian Hospital?
The City of Los Angeles is providing free COVID-19 testing to all Los Angeles
County residents, whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. Priority
is given to people with symptoms. For more information visit the City
of Los Angeles
COVID-19 Testing page.
If you have come to Valley Presbyterian Hospital and have symptoms, we
will test you for the virus. Testing is done with a nose and throat swap
and a small sample taken of mucus coughed from your lungs. Please be advised
that as of March 20, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has a "No Visitor"
policy for accompanying patients to the Emergency Department, and for
visiting patients, with a few exceptions. More information is on our
COVID-19 portal page. More information about the treatment of COVID-19 is on our
Facts page.
Is the Covid-19 vaccine currently available?
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, as of
January 5, 2021 vaccinations are proceeding throughout Los Angeles County
as they continue to build capacity. As of January 2, the County received
a total of 189,995 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 96,390 doses had been
administered to frontline healthcare workers at acute care hospitals.
As of January 18, the County has administered almost 39,000 doses to staff
and residents at skilled nursing facilities. EMT's and paramedics
and other facilities are also currently vaccinating or are scheduling
vaccinations for the week ending January 23. The vaccine will likely be
available to the general public in the Spring/Summer 2021. Sign up for
email updates with Los Angeles County, or check back here to find out
when and where the vaccine will be available. Additional information is on the
Los Angeles County Covid-19 Vaccine page.
Are the Los Angeles Safer at Home and Worker Protection Orders still in place?
Yes. The Safer at Home Order is in effect and on December 27, the Los Angeles
County Temporary Order was extended. See below. It prohibits all private
and public gatherings with individuals not in your household, except for
religious services and protests.
As of January 18, 2021, Los Angeles the following non-essential businesses
are open with social distancing and specific infection control protocols.
These include grocery stores at 35% capacity; outdoor retail shopping
centers at 50% capacity; indoor retail shopping centers at 20% capacity;
outdoor gyms at 50% capacity; drive-in restaurants; restaurants, breweries,
brew pubs, wineries, and tasting rooms with pick-up only at 20% capacity
(indoor and outdoor seating has been suspended); libraries with curbside
pickup; and indoor places of worship. Other low risk retailer such as
bookstores, pet food stores, and hardware stores are open, as well as
hotels and short term rentals with safeguards. Also open are office-based
businesses when teleworking is not possible, such as realtors. Outdoor
zoos and aquariums, and museums and galleries with outdoor areas are open
at 50% capacity. Outdoor playgrounds, parks, recreational, and workout
facilities are also open including beaches, golf courses, trails, parks,
day camps, and camping parks. Film/TV/music productions can resume. Non-medical
face coverings and social distancing are required.
As of January 18, 2021, the following businesses are closed under state
and County orders: hair salons, nail salons and tattoo parlors; indoor
gyms/fitness centers; bars, bar areas and indoor seating in restaurants;
public entertainment venues including indoor movie theaters, live performance
theaters, concert venues, festivals, racetracks, and professional sports
leagues (training only); family entertainment centers such as indoor bowling
alleys, arcades, miniature golf and batting cages; indoor playgrounds
except those at school or childcare centers; public hot tubs and saunas.
All travel has been banned by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, car or public
transit unless the individual is engaged in an essential or recreational
activity and wearing a mask.
Additional information is in the latest
City of Los Angeles Public Order update (updated December 31), in the LA County
Temporary Targeted Safer at Home Order (updated December 30; effective indefinitely until further notice), and on the
LA County Roadmap to Recovery page.
Social distancing is still needed. Residents should continue to practice
social distancing (staying 6 feet away from people who don't live
with you), wash hands frequently, and wear a face covering when leaving
your home. The Los Angeles Safer at Home Order is still in place and residents
are ordered to not visit friends and family without an urgent need, and
to not visit patients in hospitals, nursing homes and residential care
facilities. Most people are also still ordered to not go to their places
of employment (certain jobs are exempt).
Recommendations to help protect yourself and prevent the spread are on our
COVID-19 FAQs page.
The Worker Protection order, put in place on April 7, is also still in
effect until further notice for non-medical essential workers, requiring
them to wear face coverings such as non-medical masks, scarves or bandanas.
See Mask Guidelines below. The order includes workers at grocery stores,
warehouse stores, farmers markets, restaurants with to-go food, plumbers,
electricians, day laborers, private security, gardeners, dry cleaners,
taxis, car rental companies, hotels, motels, organizations that provide
social services, and other businesses. In addition, employers must provide
these face coverings, allow employees to wash their hands at least every
30 minutes, and provide 6-foot buffers between employees and customers
to the extent possible. More information is in the
City of Los Angeles Worker Protection Order (PDF).
What is the status of reopening schools and colleges?
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) started the school year on
August 18 with online-only courses. The district is continuing to plan
for an eventual return to in-person classes but a timeline has not yet
been provided. Teachers have been provided with training in online education
and students will receive training to become better online learners. For
more information and resources, visit the
LAUSD website or call their hotline at 213.443.1300.
In October, Los Angeles County expanded a program that allowed schools
to resume in-person instruction for high-need and English-learning students.
The limit of students allowed back to campus was increased to 25% of a
school's overall enrollment. Nearly 35,000 students are receiving
in-person instruction. Some waivers are also being issued for schools
with students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. In addition the
City of Los Angeles has provided additional guidance with a
School Public Order.
On August 12, the LA County Department of Public Health announced that
colleges and universities may continue essential operations but most academic
instruction must be distance-learning. They may continue to offer in person
training and instruction only for students who are or will become part
of the essential workforce and only for required activities that cannot
be accomplished through virtual learning. On-campus residency is provided
only for students who have no alternative housing options.
What can I do to protect myself and my family from the COVID-19 coronavirus?
There are steps that everyone can take daily to reduce the risk of getting
sick or infecting others with these types of viruses. Please follow the
list of guidelines below. We also have helpful tips on our
Covid-19 Video page.
- Follow the Safer at Home Emergency Order in place for Los Angeles residents.
More information is above.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially
after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing,
sneezing or going to the bathroom. You should also wash your hands before eating.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Maintain at least 6 feet distance from others when you go out.
-
As of May 14, all residents are required to wear a cloth face covering
your nose and mouth when outside of your home. Young children and people
with certain disabilties are exempt. This does NOT mean wearing a surgical
mask or N-95 respirator which are critical medical supplies needed by
healthcare workers. More information is below. Visit our
Video page for a CDC video on how to wear a mask.
- Limit close contact like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people
who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces using regular household
disinfectant cleaning spray.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw away the tissue in
the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
- Help your immune system: Eat nutritional food, get 7 - 9 hours of sleep
each night, try to minimize and manage stress, exercise regularly, and
stop or cut back on smoking. If you have a health condition, discuss with
your doctor an exercise and nutritional plan that is right for you.
You can also take these additional steps:
-
Find a primary doctor if you don't already have one to be prepared,
in case you do get sick. Our
Find-A-Doctor portal has a list of physicians in our area, or you can use other sources
such as referrals from friends and family members.
- Mayor Garcetti has asked that residents not hoard food as it isn't
necessary but you should have essential food, water and supplies to last
a few weeks.
What are the guidelines for wearing masks?
Valley Presbyterian Hospital requires all visitors and patients entering
the hospital to wear a hospital-issued mask. Visit our
Video page for a CDC video on how to wear a mask.
On May 14, the City of Los Angeles issued a new order requiring all residents
to wear non-medical face coverings outside of their homes, except for
young children at risk for suffocation and people with certain disabilities.
This will help stop the spread of the virus as Safer At Home restrictions
are gradually eased. Read more on the
City of Los Angeles website.
This order is in addition to the Worker Protection Order that requires
non-medical essential workers to wear face coverings such as non-medical
masks, scarves or bandanas while at work. This does NOT mean wearing a
surgical mask or N-95 repirator which are critical medical supplies that
are needed by healthcare workers. Customers are required to wear face
coverings when going out to grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential
businesses. More information is in the
City of Los Angeles Worker Protection Order (PDF).
Cloth face coverings can be non-medical masks, bandanas or scarves, or
made at home from t-shirts or pieces of cloth. Visit our
Video page for a CDC video that shows how to make your own mask or visit the
CDC website for step-by-step instructions. It is important that you wash your hands
before you put your mask on and immediately after you take it off. If
it is disposable, throw it away in a plastic lined trash can. If it is
washable, it is recommended that you wash it after removing it.
Is social distancing still needed?
Yes. Residents should continue to practice social distancing (staying 6
feet away from people who don't live with you), wash hands frequently,
and wear a face covering when leaving your home (see more information above).
The Los Angeles Safer at Home Order is still in place and residents are
ordered to not visit friends and family without an urgent need, and to
not visit patients in hospitals, nursing homes and residential care facilities.
Most people are also still ordered to not go to their places of employment
(certain jobs are exempt). There is also a Los Angeles County Temporary
Targeted order in place with additional temporary restrictions that was
updated on December 27, effective until further notice.
Additional information is in the latest
City of Los Angeles Public Order update (updated December 31), in the LA County
Temporary Targeted Safer at Home Order (updated December 30; effective indefinitely until further notice), and on the
LA County Roadmap to Recovery page.
What is Valley Presbyterian Hospital doing to protect patients and visitors?
We are committed to the safety of our patients, visitors and staff. We
have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have been in contact
with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as local and state
public health agencies. Our teams have put in place screenings at entry
points at the hospital including the Emergency Department, and canceled
most classes (some will be offered virtual) and events. We have enstated
fever screenings for all staff and visitors, as well as new policies for
patients and vistors. As of March 20, we have restricted visitation to
our hopsital. A "No Visitor" policy is in effect, with a few
exceptions. We require all visitors and patients entering the hospital
to wear a hospital-issued mask, and we strongly encourage anyone visiting
the hospital to use hand sanitizing dispensers that are located on each
floor, and to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth. Please
visit our
Visiting Hours page for detailed information.
Also, please check our
COVID-19 portal page for Valley Presbyterian Hospital information, updates and other resources.
You may also call our Hotline at 818.902.3999 for information about COVID-19.
Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency.
What should I do if I feel stressed out about COVID-19?
It is normal to feel anxious or show signs of stress even if the outbreak
hasn't affected you personally or you are at low risk of getting sick.
It is important to care for your own physical and mental health. For tips
on how you can cope, visit the
Covid-19 Mental Health Resources page from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. You can
also call their 24/7 Helpline at 800.854.7771 or call 2-1-1.
Sources on this page include: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Los Angeles
County Department of Health (LACDPH), City of Los Angeles, and World Health
Organization (WHO). Visit our COVID-19
Resources page for more information.
Return to COVID-19 portal page