During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are turning our attention to all related issues as they affect the Eastside communities of Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles and nearby neighborhoods.
The following are links to all of our #Coronavirus stories published so far, in descending chronological order:
Updated daily:
Coronavirus in Boyle Heights and East LA
A daily update on news stories, resources and useful information regarding the COVID-19 emergency in Eastside communities.
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July 13, 2020
LAUSD will not reopen campuses for new school year due to COVID-19 spike
Online learning will continue this fall in an effort by the district to prioritize the health and safety of its students and employees
LA’s $103 million rent relief effort launches today
Program may help as many as 50,000 households with up to $2,000, sent directly to landlords
July 10, 2020
Los Fauna adapt to the times
The Eastside psychedelic garage rock band yearns for live performances as it keeps its music virtual during the pandemic
July 01, 2020
Boyle Heights outbreaks add to rise in COVID-19 cases
County data shows that 15 employees at local Walgreens have tested positive for coronavirus
LA County’s restaurants are closed again — for 3 weeks
Today’s order from Governor Newsom extends to 18 other counties and includes movie theaters, zoos, museums and other venues
June 30, 2020
Coping with mental health issues harder during COVID-19
Experts say communities like Boyle Heights are impacted disproportionately by symptoms of anxiety and depression
Time to ‘hunker down’ – again
Authorities warn that people aren’t following guidelines to keep all safe and living, as if COVID-19 was not in LA
June 17, 2020
Boyle Heights arts institutions among 80 sharing $2.7 million in grants
Funds come from a COVID-19 emergency relief fund set up by the Getty Trust and the California Community Foundation
June 15, 2020
As many Angelenos stayed home, LA County saw a spike in coronavirus among Latinos. Here’s why
Experts say Latinos are overrepresented in service industry and are less likely to be able to work from home; other social factors weigh in as well
June 08, 2020
Boyle Heights seniors find alternatives to traditional graduation celebrations
Virtual commencements celebrate the Class of 2020
June 06, 2020
Campaign seeks to bridge digital divide for Boyle Heights students
Inner City Struggle and other groups are raising funds to buy and give out laptops, hotspots and other equipment
June 04, 2020
LA County and City lifted curfew orders today. Here’s what we know so far
With few exceptions, most jurisdictions have suspended all curfew orders
June 01, 2020
‘An act of love’: Casa Fina donates meals to Boyle Heights homeless shelter
So far, Casa Fina has delivered 700 meals to men’s home run by Proyecto Pastoral
May 29, 2020
LA County restaurants can reopen their dining rooms immediately — with restrictions
Area eateries can open as soon as tonight; hair salons and barbershops can also resume service
EN ESPAÑOL: Restaurantes del condado de LA pueden reabrir sus comedores inmediatamente – con restricciones
May 27, 2020
For LA’s essential workers, the housing crisis has become a health crisis
Food service workers are among those going home to overcrowded housing conditions, potentially putting family members at risk
May 26, 2020
Nine food processing facilities in Vernon have COVID-19 outbreaks
The largest number of cases are at Farmer John, where 153 workers have tested positive
EN ESPAÑOL: Nueve plantas procesadoras de alimentos en Vernon tienen brotes de COVID-19
May 22, 2020
Jasmine Gamas: Worrying about customer saying ‘I might have COVID-19’
The Pharmacy Technician talks about her fears of bringing virus home to her family
May 21, 2020
There’s been a COVID-19 outbreak at Farmer John in Vernon
At least 140 people who work at the meatpacking plant have tested positive to the coronavirus
EN ESPAÑOL: Ha habido un brote de COVID-19 en Farmer John en Vernon
A day in the life of Boyle Heights during COVID-19
Our photographer took a snapshot of the neighborhood and its residents, dealing with the pandemic
May 14, 2020
LA is expanding curbside pickup as more businesses reopen
LADOT will begin posting new signage along curbs to help streamline protocols
EN ESPAÑOL: LA está expandiendo la recolección exterior a la vez que más negocios reabren
May 12, 2020
There’s unequal risk and more than one curve suggested in COVID-19 data
Recent reports suggest that low-income communities of color are taking the biggest hit from coronavirus — and that things could get worse
May 8, 2020
New COVID-19 testing site opens at Cal State LA
Appointment are required for the walk-up site, open Mon-Friday from 7 am to 7pm
EN ESPAÑOL: Nuevo sitio de pruebas de COVID-19 abre en Cal State LA
May 8, 2020
Boyle Heights mariachi fundraiser to live stream at noon today
Virtual serenata at the Mariachi Plaza kiosk is being organized by Defend Boyle Heights
EN ESPAÑOL: Concierto benéfico para mariachis de Boyle Heights transmitido en vivo hoy
May 6, 2020
LA County announces some businesses, spaces can reopen Friday
Shops like florists and car dealership may operate with some restrictions, as part of Stage 2 of reopening
OUR MISSION TO KEEP THE EASTSIDE COMMUNITY INFORMED IS EVEN MORE VITAL NOW, DURING THIS EMERGENCY. PLEASE HELP US CONTINUE OUR MISSION OF PROVIDING VITAL INFORMATION BY MAKING A DONATION IF YOU CAN.
May 4, 2020
Daniel Soto: trying to read or learn something new
The parking lot supervisor, laid off during the pandemic, talks about his new daily routine
EN ESPAÑOL: Daniel Soto: tratar de leer o aprender algo nuevo
May 3, 2020
One of LA’s oldest guitar shops is hurting — like most music businesses
Candelas Guitars in Boyle Heights was forced to shut down and layoff several of its employees
EN ESPAÑOL: Una de las más antiguas tiendas de guitarras está sufriendo –como casi todos los negocios de música
May 1, 2020
Mario Medina: always at a distance and with a face mask
The truck driver says he’s not making a lot of trips during the emergency, but that he feels safe at home
EN ESPAÑOL: Mario Medina: siempre alejado y con tapabocas
April 30, 2020
LA becomes the first major city in the US to offer free testing to every resident, even those with no symptoms
Tests will be available while capacity lasts; those interested need to sign up via the city’s coronavirus information page
April 29, 2020
Community health clinics are on the frontlines, but the pandemic is threatening to wipe them out
AltaMed is projecting a financial loss of $125 million through December if the pandemic continues
April 27, 2020
Blanca Galdámez: ‘things can be redone, but not life’
A worker at a medical facility says she wouldn’t mind losing her job, if it meant protecting her family
EN ESPAÑOL: Blanca Galdámez: ‘las cosas se pueden rehacer, pero la vida no’
When ‘safer at home’ comes at a risk. Health hazards lurk for some low-income renters
The threat of lead, roaches, black mold, water leaks or faulty wiring can intensified during the pandemic
EN ESPAÑOL: Cuando es un riesgo estar ‘más seguro en casa’: peligros de salud amenazan a inquilinos de bajos ingresos
April 23, 2020
LA says yes to rental help, but no to a citywide rent hike freeze
City Council approves $2.2 million fund for ‘families struggling to pay their rent’
EN ESPAÑOL: LA dice sí a la asistencia de renta, pero no a congelar aumentos del alquiler
April 22, 2020
María Campos: worried but grateful to be working
An employee at a fast-food restaurant talks about how her life has changed in times of COVID-19
EN ESPAÑOL: María Campos: preocupada pero agradecida de estar trabajando
Coronavirus exposed a ‘digital divide’ in LA Schools. See where that gap is widest
About one in every four homes in LA County lacks access to internet and a computer, new study finds
Group publishes guide to Boyle Heights resources during COVID-19 pandemic
The four-page downloadable document was created by Public Health Advocates, which runs youth program at Roosevelt High
April 21, 2020
Community colleges brace for surge in student mental health needs
As the coronavirus crisis lingers, administrators worry that they won’t be able to meet all of their students’ needs.
April 20, 2020
Not ‘second-class human beings’: immigrants sidelined by coronavirus get cash, community support
Some advocates for the undocumented say one-time payments are not enough, ask for more far-reaching measures
April 17, 2020
Your guide to LA’s eviction rules during the coronavirus pandemic
All of the critical things to know if you’re a California renter right now
EN ESPAÑOL: Su guía de las reglas de desalojo durante la pandemia del coronavirus
April 15, 2020
COVID-19 test site opens in Boyle Heights
Drive-through facility set up in vacant lot behind Mariachi Plaza; pedestrians can be seen with appointments
EN ESPAÑOL: Sitio de pruebas de COVID-19 abre en Boyle Heights
Supervisors pass rent assistance effort, expand tenant protections
County extends moratorium on evictions to mobile homes and freezes rents in unincorporated areas
EN ESPAÑOL: Supervisores aprueban medida de asistencia de alquiler, expanden protecciones a inquilinos
April 14, 2020
Garcetti launches ‘Angeleno Card’ to assist low-income households during COVID-19 crisis
Applications must be submitted by phone or web by Thursday
You now have to wear a face mask when shopping anywhere In LA County
Ordinance approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors goes into effect immediately
EN ESPAÑOL: Usted tendrá que llevar tapabocas al hacer compras en cualquier lugar del condado de LA
April 13, 2020
LAUSD will finish this school year ‘in the current, remote fashion’
School superintendent Austin Beutner says school won’t reopen until authorities say it is safe to do so
EN ESPAÑOL: LAUSD cerrará este año ‘en la manera remota actual’
April 12, 2020
How carnicerías, liquor stores, tienditas and Latino supermarkets are feeding their neighborhoods
Small businesses that have always served their communities are more important than ever during the pandemia
EN ESPAÑOL: Como las carnicerías, las ‘licors’, las tienditas y los mercados latinos alimentan los vecindarios
April 10, 2020
Stay-at-home order extended through May 15
Public Health confirms 18 new deaths and 475 new cases of COVID-19 in the county –including 3 new cases in Boyle Heights and 6 in East LA
EN ESPAÑOL: Orden de quedarse en casa extendida hasta el 15 de mayo
April 9, 2020
City and County parks close for Easter Sunday
Face masks must be worn in grocery stores –by customers and employees– beginning Friday
EN ESPAÑOL: Parques de la ciudad y el condado cerrarán el Domingo de Pascua
COVID-19 cases reach 50 in Boyle Heights; 69 in East Los Angeles
Public Health confirms 25 new deaths and 425 new cases throughout the county
EN ESPAÑOL: Casos de COVID-19 son ya 50 en Boyle Heights; 69 en East Los Angeles
April 8, 2020
COVID-19 cases climb to 47 in Boyle Heights; 64 in East Los Angeles
Public Health confirms 29 new deaths and 620 new cases, for a total of 7530 cases countywide
EN ESPAÑOL: Casos de COVID-19 suben a 47 en Boyle Heights; 64 en East Los Angeles
Drive-through COVID-19 testing site to open at East LA College
County said location will be operational on Wednesday; appointments are necessary
EN ESPAÑOL: Sitio de pruebas en automóvil abre en el East LA College
No one is safe from getting COVID-19, but will everyone get equal access to care?
Relatively low numbers of cases in underserved community may reveal a larger disparity in nation’s health care system
April 7, 2020
Tuesday Covid-19 update: 2 new cases in Boyle Heights, 5 new cases in East LA
Public Health reported 22 new deaths and 550 new cases; County breaks down statistics by gender and race or ethnicity
EN ESPAÑOL: Actualización de martes de Covid-19: 2 nuevos cases en Boyle Heights, 5 nuevos casos en East LA
April 6, 2020
Take out orders at Casa Fina help feed the homeless during Covid-19 emergency
‘Buy One, Give One’ program at Boyle Heights eatery benefits Guadalupe Homeless Project
Monday Covid-19 update: 40 cases in Boyle Heights, 51 in East Los Angeles
Public Health reported 15 new deaths and 420 new cases on Monday; County total now at 6360
April 4, 2020
Covid-19 update: 40 cases in East LA, 36 in Boyle Heights
Public Health confirmed 39 new deaths and 1238 new cases in the last 48 hours throughout the County
April 2, 2020
Covid-19 cases climb to 20 in Boyle Heights, 23 in East Los Angeles
Public Health confirms 13 new deaths and 534 new cases throughout LA County
Tenants group in Boyle Heights demands ‘rent forgiveness’ during Covid-19 crisis
Activists say state and city temporary bans on evictions do not offer enough protection to low-income renters
Reaching Boyle Heights’ most vulnerable in times of Covid-19
We talk to leaders of organizations who provide essential services in the community
April 1, 2020
Four new cases of Covid-19 in Boyle Heights; two new cases in East LA
Public Health confirmed 11 new deaths and 513 new cases on Wednesday, for a total of 65 deaths and 3518 cases
March 31, 2020
Three new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in East Los Angeles
LA County confirmed 10 new deaths and 548 new cases on Tuesday, for a total of 54 deaths and 3011 cases
March 30, 2020
Number of Covid-19 cases in Boyle Heights jump to 11, East Los Angeles also at 11
Los Angeles County reported seven new deaths and 342 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus on Monday
March 27, 2020
LA County launches new digital tools to map and chart Covid-19 spread
Boyle Heights cases increase to eight, there are now six in East Los Angeles
March 26, 2020
Seven confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Boyle Heights, four in East LA
Public Health says there are 1216 cases throughout LA County; numbers growing with increased testing
March 26, 2020
Group publishes guide to Boyle Heights resources during coronavirus crisis
Promesa Boyle Heights has made the document available in English and Spanish
March 23, 2020
Five confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Boyle Heights
There are now 2 reported cases in East Los Angeles and 1 in Lincoln Heights
March 23, 2020
LAUSD schools to remain closed through May 1
District enters agreement with Verizon to provide free access to internet to families who need it
March 18, 2020
Guisados closes, other Boyle Heights restaurants adjust to coronavirus restrictions
Local eateries join forces, switch to take out and delivery only models
March 17, 2020
How the coronavirus pandemic is affecting Boyle Heights
A guide to the latest official measures announced, and how they may alter daily life in the neighborhood
March 12, 2020
LAUSD schools will close effective Monday
District says campuses will remain closed for two weeks while it evaluates path forward
