According to Black Women Rally for Action – Los Angeles County, 625 African-Americans, 12-year-olds and older, were vaccinated for COVID-19 the week of Aug. 19 in the county, compared to 485 the week before. (up by 140 vaccinations). The increase coincides with the start of the school year, as it is believed more parents vaccinated their children as classes began.
“Both young and old increased,” said organization spokesperson Mike Browning, who noted that increases in cases and hospitalizations usually occurred within a few weeks of holidays.
“Consider hanging out with people who are vaccinated,” Browning said. “Avoid close contact. Stay at least six feet away from all other people who are not vaccinated, especially while talking, eating, drinking and singing.”
Black WomenRally for Action also suggests wearing a surgical N95 mask when gathering indoors – not one made of cloth.
“Please do not attend indoor gatherings or parties unless you wear a mask,” Browning said. “Encourage outdoor activities.”
He also emphasized the importance of not sharing utensils and washing or sanitizing hands often. And, of course, if sick, remain isolated at home, away from others.
“Finally, be aware of your surroundings and be as safe as you need to be,” Browning said.
Black Women Rally for Action has partnered to host two lifesaving “COVID-19 Antiviral Treatments” webinars at: https://tinyurl.com/39scpdck and https://tinyurl.com/u2a7rurt.
The organization, a coalition of individuals and groups who provide a mechanism for Los Angeles County Black women to advocate on behalf of their health and well-being, began in 2019 and officially started in February of 2020, going public a month before the pandemic was announced.
It recommends that unvaccinated Blacks talk to their physician, pharmacist and vaccinated family members about getting vaccinated and believes that everyone eligible for boosters should get them.
Black Women Rally for Action does not accept government grant funding and is dedicated to advancing health, economic, and social equity for all Los Angeles County Black women through direct action and connection to effective resources.
In April 2020, the group launched a COVID-19 social media outreach campaign to address COVID-19’s impact on the Black community.
Our Weekly coverage of local news in Los Angeles County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program created by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support minority-owned-and-operated community newspapers across California.
