We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season. Whether you are a current or older member of KGA, a volunteer or supporter, in this moment we are calling for your leadership and support.

As you know, we are still in a global health crisis and it will soon be nine months since we've had to shelter in place.  California is now in its third spike of COVID-19 with a Regional Stay Home Order issued on December 3, 2020, which takes effect “if intensive care unit (ICU) capacity drops below 15% in a region”.  

Currently Southern California, LA County, and Long Beach are considered widespread, high- risk areas with less than 12% Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity at the county level.  With the rise in cases each day, it is projected that by mid-December there will be a shortage in ICU units.   This means that those who test positive for COVID-19 who need ventilators as well as people in our community who have suffered heart attacks, strokes or other medical complications will have an even harder time accessing intensive care treatment when they need it most.

Spanning November 24th through December 8th, there was a 55% increase of COVID-19 cases with a 70% increase in hospitalizations bringing our state totals up to over 10,000 hospitalizations.  Admission to intensive care units has increased by 68% in this same time frame.  Long Beach has now recorded 19,000 people testing positive for COVID-19 and during this holiday season, as people still gather, the numbers are likely to increase each day.

Intergenerational trauma, high poverty rates and systemic barriers to employment, affordable housing and access to culturally-informed health care are some of the factors that place our community at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.   Our loved ones may need more consistent support in understanding COVID-19 prevention; it might also be difficult to self- quarantine, shelter in place, work from home or know how to take care of our family members who have been affected.

We are reaching out to you to lead and share information and resources to your loved ones.  Every year, youth leaders tell us that KGA is family and a second home.  Your loved ones to us, are also family, the people we represent for and deeply care about.

We cannot stress enough how critical it is to follow health advisories from our city, county and state officials, especially amidst so much misinformation and pressure to re-open public spaces too soon.  Additionally, there may be long-term health complications for those who recover from COVID-19, placing more burden on our families who are already struggling in these challenging times.

We have attached information and resources in English and Khmer to help you and your family slow the spread of COVID-19, to save lives, and support the health and self-determination of our community.

If you or your loved ones would like to share your story, or consider sharing your experience to advocate for equity in our city, please email us at justice@kgalb.org.

Remember, you are not alone.  We will get through this in community.  We look forward to the day we can celebrate again together.

Like a Lotus, We Rise!

Lian Cheun
Executive Director