The COVID19 pandemic has arrived. We must apply the simple precautions of hand washing, wiping surfaces while maintaining social distance. We must protect older adults and those with compromised immune systems from those who may have symptoms.

This is horrible for everyone. There is job loss, change in school schedules, alteration of needed programs and procedures. That said, we want to maintain contact with those who live near us and are important to us. So check in with phone calls, more frequent emails, and it doesn’t hurt to smile and wave. Maybe reboot that Skype account.

BIG heART is CANCELLED. RPNA is suspending/postponing all events/street actions and meetings for the foreseeable future. That includes the annual and so anticipated BIG heART which would have been on March20th!

Today we attended the City’s Emergency Preparedness Meeting with all the city departments and response coordinators. Decisions are being made on size of gatherings and length of time these containment actions will last. Until more information is known – our response is to be safe, cautious and thoughtful.

AND check in daily to www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 – there will be daily updates. If you think you may have symptoms CALL the COVID19 hotline 562-570-4636 (INFO)