Southern California, Los Angeles health and safety coronavirus resources
Who can I call if I'm feeling anxious or depressed?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has compiled an extensive guide with information about how to support your mental well-being during the pandemic.
NAMI's HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
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Take a look at which California counties are hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, and track cases around the world as well.
Here is the official website for California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response daily updates and resources: https://covid19.ca.gov/
Cases in the U.S. and the world:
Click here for the latest information about the coronavirus pandemic in Southern California.
Here are answers to some common questions and additional health and safety resources related to the COVID-19 outbreak in the greater Los Angeles area:
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19? Where/how do I get tested?
Click here for more information about COVID-19 testing in Southern California.
I feel sick and I think it's coronavirus. What do I do to get medical help or treatment?
If you think you are sick with the coronavirus, you should stay home except to get medical care, according to the CDC, and isolate yourself from other people in your home. Unless you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not head straight to the doctor's office. Call ahead to your doctor to determine how to proceed or consider telemedicine if possible.
Why do I need to wear a mask?
The virus is spread mainly from person to person, according to the CDC, through "respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks" that can infect other people. Thus, the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in places like grocery stores and pharmacies where it can be come difficult to maintain social distancing. The face coverings provide a barrier intended to slow the spread of the virus, especially from people who are otherwise asymptomatic and could transmit the virus without knowing they have it.
The CDC provides the following guidance to determine if your mask fits correctly. It should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Click here for more information about how to properly wear a mask and click here for more information about how to be safe when going out in public.
What's the difference between a KN95 mask, an N95 mask and a surgical mask?
These forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) vary based on the amount of respiratory protection the provide. Authorities are asking that these types of PPE, which are generally in short supply, are reserved for medical professionals.
Those who are not medical professionals are advised to use cloth face coverings (like fabric masks, scarves or bandanas) according to the latest CDC guidance.
How can I stay safe while flying?
The risk of infection on an airplane is low, according to the CDC. Those who must travel should continue to practice common coronavirus prevention measures like washing hands often, avoiding contact with people who are sick and not touching your face with unwashed hands.
What do I do if I am the victim of domestic violence during stay-at-home?
If you need help, contact local police or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The hotline is open 24/7 and provides services in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.
