March 22, 2020
Bulletin 15-20
COVID-19 Guidance and Update
The announcements made by our state and local elected leaders over the past 72 hours about the COVID-19 global pandemic have prompted us to remind all United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) members and their families about important details and guidance related to UFLAC operations and safety measures.
Earlier this week, UFLAC President Freddy Escobar joined Fire Chief Terrazas and Assistant Chief Jaime Moore as they presented an update to the public regarding the LAFD’s response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). They explained how each station would be provided an adequate supply of sanitation kits, masks, and wipes. The full video can be found HERE.
UFLAC has also been included in daily briefing meetings at the Department Operations Center (DOC) in order to remain informed and voice any questions or concerns coming from the field.
UFLAC MONTHLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & OFFICE OPERATIONS
In response to the Mayor’s Office directive to City Departments and related agencies, UFLAC is taking additional precautions to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and adhere to proposed limits to public gatherings in City facilities.
For this reason, UFLAC has cancelled the General Membership Meeting scheduled for March 25, 2020 and suspended public access to our offices from external visitors at this time.
Please know that we remain available via telephone and email during our normal business hours, 7:00am to 4:00pm, excluding holidays.
TOLL-FREE: (800) 252-8352
PHONE: (213) 895-4006
FAX: (213) 250-5678 (DO NOT send any medical personal health information/PHI)
COVID-19 TESTING
As announced by the DOC, the Department will provide COVID-19 testing for all LAFD members who exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 illness. Members will be initially placed off duty SK while awaiting their test results.
The testing will be conducted by appointment for members who on or off duty display any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Flu-like symptoms
- Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) symptoms
Please Click HERE for instructions on how to get tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 STATION AND APPARATUS SANITIZING PROCEDURES
Chief Terrazas has recently issued procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at all of our Fire Stations. You can find the comprehensive list of measures in the March 19th DOC Bulletin for First Responder Risk Management Guidance, as well as in this video from the LAFD.
STATION VISITORS
Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to UFLAC and it is for this reason that we are reminding members to not have or allow any outside visitors in the Fire Stations during this time. This also includes family members so that we can maintain a safe working environment for those on duty and also to protect our loved ones from potential exposure.
PROMOTIONAL LISTS, EXAMS, & DRIVER/MATE BONUS
The postponement of the upcoming AO exam will be addressed in a notice and followed by information for personnel. Members will be provided advanced notice when a new test date has been established. Promotions from other established lists are being discussed regarding the Mayor’s directive and the health and safety exemption is expected to be honored to not impact any current lists.
The Department and Personnel will be sending out information on the cancellation of classes required to obtain the Driver/Mate bonus. As a reminder, per the MOU, the Department needs to provide the classes as needed for the bonuses; so due to the situation, UFLAC has already been in discussion with the Department regarding this.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
This is a unique situation as daily life has changed dramatically for most people. And the uncertainty can cause a great deal of anxiety and stress for not only ourselves, but also our families at home. Click HERE for some Coping Tips & Strategies to help you and your family get through this challenging time. You can also visit the UFLAC PEER SUPPORT and Firestrong webpages for additional resources. IAFF has just released a document Helping Your Family Cope With COVID-19, which has lots of great information on how to support your spouse and talk to your kids about COVID-19.
As we keep you apprised of the most current information that is available, please know that the health and safety of our members is our top priority. We are in daily communication with Chief Terrazas and other city leaders to ensure that we have the resources and support that is necessary to ensure a safe working environment. We are committed to providing you the latest information on this epidemic and will be sure to keep you updated on the latest from the Department as well as local, regional and national resources.
If you have questions regarding COVID-19, Chief Terrazas has instructed members to contact the LAFD Emergency Medical Services Bureau at (213) 978-3885. You can also direct your questions to UFLAC’s Health & Safety Committee by sending an email to: [email protected].
Thank you for everything that you do every single day for the people of Los Angeles and for your brothers and sisters in the LAFD.
Stay Safe,
UFLAC Health & Safety Committee
UFLAC Executive Board