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CORONAVIRUS DISEASE BASICS & ITS SPREAD

What is a novel coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the WHO’s best practice external icon for naming of new human infectious diseases.

What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.

How does the virus spread?

This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.

Am I at risk for COVID-19?

Yes. There have been cases of COVID-19 in the US related to travel and through close contact. US case counts are updated regularly Monday through Friday. See the current US case count of COVID-19 here.

The LA County Department of Public Health is releasing updates on the total number of cases in LA County, and all its member cities here.

Should I be tested for COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips of face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.

Can a person test negative and later test positive for COVID-19?

Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected.

For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.

Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others?

Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

How long someone is actively sick can vary, so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with doctors, infection prevention and control experts, and public health officials, and involves considering specifics of each situation including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for that patient.

Current CDC guidance for when it is okay to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:

• The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.
• The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.
• Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

What should I do if I had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

There is information for people who have had close contact with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 available online. The Los Angeles County Health Department has issued a home quarantine guidance for people who were in close contact with someone with COVID-19. Click here to view. Household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a non-healthcare setting may have close contact with a person with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or a person under investigation. Close contacts should monitor their health; they should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath).

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?

Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.

Learn what is known about the spread of COVID-19.

Am I at risk for COVID-19 from a package or products shipping from China?

There is still a lot that is unknown about the newly emerged COVID-19 and how it spreads.

In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods. Information will be provided on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website as it becomes available.

Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?

It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

How can I protect myself?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
  • CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
  • Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings. Cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s handwashing guidelines.

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings guidelines.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

On June 2, 2020, the Glendale City Council Modified and extended the Face Covering Order. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, individuals in Glendale must wear a Face Covering when outside their household, living unit, or other place they reside at all times, except as follows:

• You are alone or with household members only
• Children under the age of 2 (including infants)
• Children with breathing problems
• Individuals with certain disabilities engaging in the permitted activities are exempt from wearing face coverings if they adopt social distancing requirements and follow all governmental directives and the Los Angeles County Public Health protocols
• If face covering creates a risk related to work activity under federal, state, local laws, or workplace regulations.
• By anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the Face Covering without assistance
• Indoors, provided that (i) there is at least six feet of space and (ii) Others are not likely to be in the same space for a few days
• Outdoors, provided that (i) you are alone or with household members only, when nobody else is within 30 feet. Individuals must keep Face Coverings visible and ready to cover mouth and nose when others are within 30 feet
• When a person is alone in a private office or area that is not shared and not likely to be visited by others without prior warning
• When in a motor vehicle and either alone or exclusively with other members of the same household or living unit, unless they must lower their windows for any purpose such as to interact with first responders, food service workers, or others who are not members of their households
• When eating or drinking, whether indoors or outdoors

Previous exceptions listed in the Face Covering Order continue to apply. For additional information about Face Coverings, view the Order here.

At this time, the face coverings are not required to be medical-grade masks or N95 respirators, but may include fabric coverings, such as scarves and bandanas. All such workers required to wear these face coverings must frequently (at least once a day) wash any reusable face coverings, for the health and safety of themselves and others. Single-use face coverings must be properly discarded into trash receptacles.

Employers of all workers who work at businesses or perform services must permit their employees to wash their hands at least every 30 minutes. All such employers must provide, at their expense, non-medical grade face coverings for their employees. These employers must ensure that their employees have access to clean, sanitary restrooms, stocked with all necessary cleansing products; or sanitizing agents required to observe hand sanitation protocols recommended by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, provided at the employer’s expense. Employers must implement social distancing measures for customers, visitors, and employees that provides a six-foot distance between individuals.

All customers and visitors of businesses and organizations must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths to provide additional protection for employees and customers. At this time, the face coverings don’t need to be medical-grade masks or N95 respirators, but can be fabric coverings, such as scarves and bandana coverings.

A business owner or operator may refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear face coverings as required by this Order. Additionally, all retail businesses are encouraged to install plexiglass to separate cashiers and customers at all points of sale. These are recommendations and not requirements.

What can I do if I get overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed out about COVID-19?

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information and resources can be found on the US Department of Health & Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make our community stronger.

Additional things you can do to support yourself during this time includes:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

The LA County Department of Mental Health has developed information on how to cope with stress during this time in 13 different languages common to the County’s residents. Click here to find the information in your language.

What else can I do?

• Find a healthcare provider if you don’t already have one.
• Update your emergency kits with food, water and supplies to last a few days in case there is a need for quarantine. Although this is unlikely, it is important to be prepared as you would for any other emergency. Learn more about the City of Glendale’s Emergency Preparedness & Response, and what to update your emergency kit with here.
• Continue to encourage welcoming environments for ALL members of our community.
• Always check with reliable sources for the up-to-date, accurate information about novel coronavirus:

What is Glendale doing about COVID-19?

On March 16, 2020, the City of Glendale issued a local emergency proclamation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to a number of measures already in place across the City to protect members of the public from risk of contracting the virus. To slow the spread of COVID-19, beginning on March 17, 2020 at 12:00 am, all bars, banquet halls, and nightclubs in the City of Glendale that do not serve food, along with gyms movie theaters, and others were ordered to be closed to the public. Additionally, the City of Glendale has issued new emergency orders regarding evictions and the closure of adult day care centers, and has modified city services and late fees. On March 24, 2020, the City of Glendale extended all of its Emergency Orders to May 15, 2020, and issued a rent increase freeze.

Glendale’s Police Department and Community Services & Parks Department have been working diligently to protect our most vulnerable residents from COVID-19, and are coming together to provide packaged meals on a daily basis for people experiencing homelessness.

In addition and in an effort to help our unsheltered population stay clean and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City’s Public Works Department has been working on a series of efforts to increase hygiene facilities citywide. The City will deploy portable hand washing stations, as well as bathrooms across Glendale.

Hand washing stations are located at:

• Ascencia
• Catholic Charities
• Armenian Relief Society
• First Baptist Methodist Church

Bathrooms and handwashing stations are located at:

• Carr Park
• Pacific Park
• Cerritos Park
• Central Park
• Palmer Park

View a map of facilities.

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) will not disconnect electric or water services or charge late fees through April 2020 to customers due to their inability to pay utility bills. Customers are encouraged to contact GWP to arrange alternate payment options. As a reminder, GWP will never call customers to demand payment by threatening to shut off service. Learn more about payment options here.

The City’s Economic Development Division is also reaching out to local businesses to offer its services during this time. Learn more about the City’s Emergency Business Resources and Emergency Marketing Resources.

Until Glendale’s libraries reopen, due dates for library materials have been extended, and all fines/late fees will be waived. Items on hold will remain on hold until libraries reopen. Library resources are available online.

Our website, Glendaleca.gov, is updated with the latest information regarding Glendale policies and closures in relation to the Coronavirus.

We will continue to closely monitor and share all new developments and CDC recommendations with our residents and community partners in an effort to take additional actions as appropriate.

SAFER AT HOME ORDER

What is the Safer at Home order?

Effective immediately on March 21, 2020 and continuing through May 15, 2020, all public and private group events and gatherings are prohibited anywhere within the Los Angeles County Public Health Jurisdiction, including Glendale. All persons are to remain in their homes or at their place of residence, except to travel to and from Essential Businesses, to work at or provide service to a Healthcare Operation or Essential Infrastructure, to engage in Essential Activities, or to participate in an individual or family outdoor activity, while practicing social distancing. Violations can be enforced as a misdemeanor and punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Late Friday evening, on March 20, an executive order was also issued by the California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health that orders all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

Read the State’s Executive Order (pdf). See the list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (pdf).

Read LA County’s order here

Why is this order in place?

Safer at Home is intended to reduce the further spread of the coronavirus in our community and to ensure our hospitals are able to treat patients in need of care.

Can I go outside?

Yes.

Can I leave Los Angeles County and can I return home to Los Angeles County if I'm elsewhere?

Yes.

Can I drive, walk, ride a bike or motorcycle, or use public transportation or a ride share service?

Yes.

Can I still get deliveries from online stores?

Yes. Mail and other delivery services to your home can continue, as can food delivery services.

Should I stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper, and on medicine?

No. You can continue to purchase these items whenever you need them. Retailers selling necessary items, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores, will remain open. Please buy normal quantities to ensure there is enough for everyone.

Which businesses are considered essential?

• Grocery stores, certified farmer's markets, restaurants (delivery or takeout only), food cultivation, livestock,
• farming, fishing, social services, news media, government, public safety, gas stations, auto repair and supply,
• banks, credit unions, financial institutions, hardware stores, nurseries, building supplies, pet wellness and grooming,
• plumbers, electricians, exterminators, custodial/janitorial workers, handyman services, funeral home workers and morticians,
• moving services, HVAC installers, carpenters, landscapers, gardeners, property managers, private security,
• mailing and shipping services, laundromats, dry cleaners, laundry service providers, computer or office supplies,
• shipping or trucking of essential goods, infrastructure, public works construction, construction of housing, airports,
• ports, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, road and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal,
• internet and telecommunications systems, childcare facilities, home-based care or residential facilities for seniors or those with disabilities,
• legal services, payroll or accounting services, military or defense contractors, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, dentists, pharmacies,
• pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other licensed healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare service providers,
• mental health providers, licensed medical cannabis dispensaries, medical or scientific research, hotels, rental units,
• and suppliers of goods used at any other essential businesses.

How do essential businesses control social gathering?

For all gatherings that are not prohibited and for all essential businesses, individuals must:

• Practice social distancing within the confined space by requiring attendees to be separated by six (6) feet, to the extent feasible;
• Provide access to hand washing facilities with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol;
• Post a sign in a conspicuous place at the public entry to the venue instructing members of the public to not attend if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, including fever or cough; and
• Adhere to communicable disease control recommendations provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
• Ensure all customers are wearing facial coverings

Which businesses aren't considered essential and need to close?

THE ORDERS REQUIRE THE IMMEDIATE CLOSURE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AND BUSINESSES:

• Non-Essential Retail Businesses
• All retail not listed as an essential business, including indoor malls, shall be closed. Essential business located inside indoor malls may remain open only if they have separate entrance from outside the mall;
• Bars and Nightclubs;
• Movie theaters, drive-in theaters, live performance venues, concert halls, arenas, and stadiums;
• Bowling alleys and arcades;
• Gyms and fitness centers;
• Wineries, Breweries, and Tap Rooms (portion that offers public beverage consumption);
• Personal grooming centers such as nail or hair salons;
• Golf Courses, Tennis, Volleyball and Basketball Courts;
• Smoke and Tobacco Shops;
• Clothing stores;
• Car Wash businesses;
• Indoor and outdoor children’s playgrounds (except for those located within childcare centers);
• Flea Markets and Swap Meets.

Can I take my family to a playground?

No, playground facilities are closed, but you may still walk around the park.

How can I help my community?

First and foremost, you're helping your community by staying at home as much as possible; though there are many safe ways you can lend a hand. You can donate funds to a local nonprofit, do wellness checks on loved ones over the phone, assemble hygiene kits for your local homeless shelter, or donate blood.

INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY COVID-19

Has the deadline for filing federal taxes been extended?

Yes, the federal deadline for paying taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.

Has the deadline for filing California tax returns extended?

Yes, all California taxpayers (individuals and businesses) can file and pay by July 15, 2020.

See CA Franchise Tax Board for more information.

See U.S. Internal Revenue Service for more information.

What about county property taxes? Has that deadline changed?

The deadline for property taxes has not changed yet. LA County has no authority to extend the April 10 deadline as outlined by State law. However, beginning April 11, people unable to pay on time because of COVID-19 may submit a request for a penalty cancellation online. Please check with LA County Office of the Assessor for updates.

Am I going to get evicted if I can’t pay rent due to circumstances related to COVID-19?

The Glendale City Council issued Emergency Orders which implement a number of measures designed to protect the Glendale public and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Among them are temporary moratoriums on evictions on residential and commercial tenancies for non-payment of rent for tenants who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a temporary moratorium on rent increases for residential tenancies. March 27, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-37-20, which also impacts evictions of residential tenancies. On April 6, 2020, the California Judicial Council issued Emergency Order No. 1, which impacts the filing of unlawful detainer complaints. We encourage you to review both orders in their entirety.

Prohibition Against Evictions: (Residential and Commercial Tenancies)

• Landlords cannot file an unlawful detainer action against either residential or commercial tenants who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Tenants must provide documentation to demonstrate the reason for their inability to pay rent and its relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such circumstances include:
• Please note that the California Judicial Council has expanded that restriction to state that no complaint for unlawful detainer may be filed, unless it is necessary to protect public health and safety.
• For commercial tenants, a written notice of a tenant’s inability to pay rent must be provided to the landlord in writing 14 days prior to when the rent is due, except for rent due for the month of April in which case said notice shall be made as soon as practicable.
• Residential Eviction Moratorium is in effect until June 30, 2020 but may be further extended if necessary.
• Commercial Eviction Moratorium is in effect until June 3, 2020 but may be further extended if necessary.
• For residential tenants, a written notice of a tenant’s inability to pay rent must be provided to the landlord in writing before the rent is due or within a reasonable period of time thereafter, not to exceed 7 days. The documentation to support deferring rent may be provided to the landlord no later than the time upon payment of back-due rent.
• For residential, tenants will have up to twelve months following the expiration of the moratorium (from June 30) to repay any back due rent that was deferred because of the COVID 19 circumstances. An additional rent repayment measure was passed that requires tenants to pay at least 25% of back due rent at the end of each three (3) month period of the twelve month repayment period, unless the landlord and tenant agree to different repayment terms.
• The repayment period for commercial tenants was amended from twelve months to three months commencing upon the expiration of the moratorium on June 3, 2020. Publicly traded companies are exempt from this moratorium.
• This prohibition does not apply to evictions established prior to the effective date.
• A landlord may not charge or collect late charges, fees, or interest on unpaid rent, or engage in any harassing behavior in an attempt to collect deferred rent, when payment of rent is delayed during the period of this emergency.

Rent Increase Prohibition/Rent Freeze: (Residential Tenancies Only)

• Rents are frozen effective March 24, 2020 regardless of when a rent increase notice was previously served.
• Landlords may not issue new rent increases until the expiration of the emergency order, even if the increase is effective after the expiration of the order.
• Any rent increase issued between March 25, 2020 and the expiration of the emergency order will need to be reissued once the order has expired.

• The rent freeze applies to all residential rentals in the City of Glendale, except apartments built after February 1, 1995, individual condominium units, and single family dwelling. It also applies to accessory dwelling units and hotel rooms being rented as extended stays.

The rent freeze prohibition is in effect until June 30, 2020 but may be further extended if necessary.

For questions about the rent freeze and eviction moratorium, please call (818) 548-3926 or email at Rent@glendaleca.gov

What if I am having difficulty paying my utility bills?

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) will not disconnect electric or water services or charge late fees through April 2020 to customers due to their inability to pay utility bills. Customers are encouraged to contact GWP to arrange alternate payment options. As a reminder, GWP will never call customers to demand payment by threatening to shut off service. Learn more about payment options here.

The Southern California Gas Company has indicated that they have temporarily suspended service disconnects for residential customers who are having a hard time paying their bills, even if they received an automated 48 hour shut off notice. They are also offering assistance with bill payments. They are also waiving late payment fees for small business customers. Learn about Southern California Gas Company’s efforts to address COVID-19 related hardships here.

What if I’m a senior or have an underlying condition that prevents me from leaving the house?

Although senior center facilities are closed, the City of Glendale Community Services and Parks Department developed a contingency plan to continue feeding seniors in our community who are a part of the Elderly Nutrition Program.

As of March 20, 2020, the meal distribution plan for seniors currently enrolled in the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) is as follows:

• 7 days of frozen meals to seniors who have the means to warm up and store the food in refrigerator/freezer.
• Delivery by City staff or pick up option by the senior or friend/family/designee of senior on assigned days between 3:00pm-4:00pm
• A Brown Bag meal will be distributed to those who don’t have the means to warm up frozen meals and new clients* at two locations:

• Adult Recreation Center – 201 East Colorado, Glendale, CA 91205 – 7 days a week
• Sparr Heights Community Center – 1613 Glencoe Way, Glendale, CA 91208 – Monday – Friday ONLY

*New Clients must fill out Universal Intake Form before receiving meal:

• New Client’s must be 60 years of age and older;
• Availability is based on supply

For information about the City’s senior meals program, please call (818) 548-3775, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

How long will schools be closed?

The California Department of Education and the LA County Office of Education announced that the current school closures across LA County will be extended through the end of the school year. Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) is providing updates on the GUSD coronavirus information page. Private schools can be contacted directly for information and updates.

California released guidance to help K-12 education leaders meet the needs of all students affected by school closures, with an emphasis on assisting low-income children and those with disabilities. The guidance covers:

• Distance learning and independent study
• School meal delivery
• Accommodations for students with disabilities
• Child care and supervision

The California Department of Public Health released guidance for colleges and universities.

For colleges and universities, see:

• University of California
• California State University
• California Community Colleges

What if I relied on the school lunch program and am having difficulty feeding my family?

Beginning March 24, 2020, all children 18 years and under have access to both breakfast and lunch. Parents can pick up at designated locations. More details can be found here.

What can I do if I can’t work because I’m sick or quarantined because of COVID-19?

You can use paid sick leave if your job has it. If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 you can file a Disability Insurance claim. You may also file a Worker’s Compensation Claim if you were exposed to coronavirus at work.

For those not able to secure paid leave, state (California Family Rights Act) and federal laws (Family and Medical Leave Act) may qualify you for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year.

Do I need a note or certificate from a medical provider to file for unemployment?

No, a medical certificate is not required. Here is more information on who is eligible for Unemployment Insurance.

What if I can’t work because I’m taking care of someone who’s sick or quarantined?

You can use paid sick leave if your job has it. You can file a Paid Family Leave claim.

What can I do if my work hours are reduced because of COVID-19?

You can file an Unemployment Insurance claim.

What can I do if I miss work because of school closures?

• You can file an Unemployment Insurance claim.

What if I am an employer/small business owner and need guidance?

In order to maintain a safe workplace:

• Encourage sick employees to stay home.
• Establish routine cleaning throughout the workplace.
• Reduce travel. If possible, encourage video conferencing and limit larger gatherings.
• See Cal/OSHA Interim Guidance for General Industry.
• Follow CDC guidance on keeping the workplace safe (pdf).

Employers can avoid laying off employees if their business is impacted by COVID-19 by applying for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing Program.

To help small businesses survive financially, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small business suffering from the financial effects of COVID-19.

What is the City of Glendale doing to help businesses in the community?

The City of Glendale is committed to both the physical and fiscal health of our community. The City’s Community Development Department is exploring ways to temporarily relieve the impact COVID-19 will have on the business community. Strategies currently being explored include implementing temporary curbside pick-up locations and developing marketing campaigns that promote local business.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, the Glendale City Council approved the Small Business Grant Program to help Glendale small businesses experiencing difficulties related to COVID-19.

The Program consists of two distinct grants:

1. Small Business Recovery Grant
2. Low Income Small Business Grant

There are also a variety of state and federal resources available to small businesses experiencing financial hardship. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced disaster loan assistance for businesses located in Los Angeles County, among other locations severely impacted. To learn more, click here.

The Economic Development Division is eager to speak with you to better understand your needs. If you would like to speak directly to the City of Glendale about concerns, suggestions or recommendations on how the City can assist in these unprecedented times, please contact us and stay informed as detailed below:

• How to reach the City of Glendale
• Tell us how you and your employees are doing.
• Marketing Support

Are there people providing at-home COVID-19 testing services?

No. Please be advised that NO healthcare workers, law enforcement personnel, or any government agencies are going door-to-door testing people for COVID-19. If you encounter anyone offering such a service, refuse it and report it to local law enforcement. Scammers are criminals of opportunity; therefore, we must remain vigilant in considering unsolicited services. We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.