Last night the California Department of Public Health issued new guidance as it relates to group gatherings in the State of California recommending that groups most at risk for contracting COVID-19 avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more through the end of the month. We must follow the recommendations of expert public health officials, so we will be making some changes to current programming.

For 40 years we have served on the front lines of providing critical health, wellness, and social services to the community. Part of serving our community is ensuring your continued health and safety. As an organization serving many people who are currently at particular risk for coronavirus, including older adults and people living with HIV, we are suspending all group programming beginning Thursday March 12 at The Center through Tuesday March 31. 

What Does This Mean?
  1. All peer facilitated social and support groups are cancelled effective immediately.
  2. All group programming within Senior Services, Trans Health Services, and Youth and Family Services are cancelled effective immediately.
  3. All groups renting space at The Center will be offered a refund.
  4. We will continue to be open during our normal operating hours for individual HIV/STI testing, mental health counseling, case management, cyber center, lending library, legal services, career counseling domestic violence services, and resources and referrals at our front desk. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10am to 9pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. 
How Can I Learn More?
  • Contact The Center at 562-434-4455.
  • Email The Center at info@centerlb.org and your message will be forwarded to the most appropriate department.
  • Send a Direct Message on Facebook or Instagram which is being checked regularly. We will also post updates on social media as needed. 

Recognizing that it is important to listen to the guidance from health care professionals, we are continuing to check for updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), California Department of Public Health, and Long Beach Health and Human Services. You can also access these resources using the links below:

We are also taking steps to ensure the continued health and safety of all staff, volunteers, and visitors at The Center. In addition to normal health and safety protocols, including training on health standards and sanitation for all staff, which have been in place for many years, we are increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting areas of common use including:
  • Door handles, hand plates, push buttons, panic bars
  • Water dispensers
  • Access control buttons
  • Shared office devices including copiers and printers
  • Paper towel and soap dispensers
  • Shared use rooms, chairs, tables, and surfaces
  • Stair rails
We will be cleaning twice daily moving forward. 

What can you do?

The public health community is unified in the understanding that there are a number of basic precautions we can all take to prevent illness. These include:

 

  • Washing your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol based hand gel that is at least 60% alcohol.
  • Covering your mouth when you cough with your elbow, and refraining from touching your face, eyes, or mouth (even at home).
  • Staying home when sick.
  • Seeking medical attention if you are experiencing fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Call your healthcare provider in advance so you know what to expect during the process. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can contact The Center for a list of LGBTQ-affirming medical providers in the region.
     
If you have any questions about these new protocols, we encourage you to contact The Center directly for information.

Again, we exist to serve our LGBTQ community. This always includes doing what's best for our community's health.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Porter Gilberg
Executive Director