This is an unprecedented time in our lives, and we must all do our part to slow the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is encouraged to be “safer at home” by staying home except for essential needs. What does that mean? We’ve summarized it below.
For the Vulnerable Population
You must stay home. The vulnerable population includes anyone who is an older adult, pregnant woman, or anyone who is at risk due to underlying medical conditions or a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment.
To ensure that older adults receive critically needed meals, the County of Los Angeles will distribute packaged and frozen meals at closed congregate meal sites. If you are 65 and older, you must send someone who is under 65 to pick-up meals at these sites. LA County is assessing ways to expand their home-delivered meal services for seniors.
For Everyone Else
Stay home unless you need to get food, care for family or friends, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job that requires you to work outside of the home. The City of Los Angeles defines essential businesses as grocery stores, restaurants, financial institutions, transportation services, healthcare operations, and hardware stores. If you are leaving your home, stay at least 6 feet apart from others.
If you or anyone in your household feels sick, keep the entire household at home and do not go to work. Avoid all social gatherings and use the drive-through, pickup, or delivery options for eating out. Avoid travel and visiting nursing, retirement, and long-term care facilities. City of Lancaster delivery and take-out information for restaurants and grocery store hours for seniors can be found here.
Some children will be eligible for free breakfasts and lunches offered through local school districts. For more information, view the Lancaster School District free meal flyer, Westside Union School District meal program webpage, and the Eastside Union Meals on Wheels flyer. Some additional information for children’s meal programs can be found here.
What Can You Do?
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently; avoid touching your face; sneeze and cough into tissues or the inside of your elbow; and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces often.
Apply for state benefits to assist you with any lost wages due to COVID-19.
Lower anxiety levels with a walk outside (if you are not with a group), take deep breaths, stretch, and meditate. Take a break from reading or watching the news and connect with friends and family through phone calls and FaceTime. It might be time to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read or to finally tackle some of those home to-do items.
Measures We’re Taking At PARRIS
For the next 21 days, PARRIS is postponing all in-person meetings. Instead, we will utilize technology such as Skype, FaceTime, and DocuSign. As always, you can reach us by phone (661-485-2072), text, or email ([email protected]). The health, safety, and well-being of our clients, guests, and employees remain our top priority. We will get through this together. Stay safe and be well.
