Dear Members of the UAII Community,
On March 4th Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a coronavirus state of emergency in California, aimed at containing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As of today, 191 people have tested positive for the virus in California. There have been 4 deaths. In Los Angeles County, 53 people have tested positive for the virus. There has been 1 death.
The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 125 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan). Worldwide, 133,187 people have tested positive for the virus; 1,512 in the United States, 10,075 in Iran, 15,113 in Italy, 80,796 in China. There have been 4,951 deaths worldwide.
Across California, universities are canceling in-person classes, grade schools are being closed, companies are issuing work from home orders, and officials are banning large gatherings. It is all in an effort to slow what officials have been describing as the inevitable spread of the coronavirus in the nation’s most populous state.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 exposure at UAII.
We want you to know that UAII is unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of its community. We are following our established emergency protocol in light of this global health crisis.
Please read the attached flyer and share with others, and visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/ for information regarding important resources and FAQs.
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, please contact a health provider immediately.
A task force composed of senior leadership and health professionals from UAII has been continuously monitoring the situation. We are working closely with state health agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that all precautions are in place to ensure the safety and health of our staff and clients while continuing to pursue our mission to promote the physical, behavioral, spiritual, and economic health and wellbeing of American Indians/Alaska Natives in the urban Los Angeles area.
Like you, we are deeply troubled by the fear, devastation, and loss caused by COVID-19, in Los Angeles, the United States, and the world. Counseling services will remain available to our clients and staff.
The situation is changing rapidly. Our Health Team will offer further updates and additional information as it becomes available. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to keep our community safe and healthy in light of this global pandemic.
Please continue to monitor http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/ for updates.
Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.
Sincerely yours,
Gene Martinez, UAII Interim CEO
