March 17, 2020 – There are and continue to be numerous concerns and issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and our governments’ responses. The plans and actions of the Federal, State, and County entities range from brilliant to unknown. The two constants in these unprecedented times are that all of the protocols presented are fluid daily (sometimes hourly) and that PPOA will work collaboratively with these entities to protect our members in the most efficient manner.
As for priorities, the health and safety of all members and their families are of utmost concern to PPOA. We continue to demand of all represented County Departments the need for public facing members to have appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) .
Additionally, of great importance to all involved is open communication. Through our efforts, PPOA has attended conference calls with County leadership (County CEO, County Counsel, DHR, Coalition of County Union [CCU] members), our legal counsel, the Sheriff’s Department, Office of the Medical Examiner, and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation. As a result of these conversations, PPOA now has standing DAILY conference calls with an executive level liaison at each Department as well as scheduled meetings with the County CEO’s Office and CCU members later this week.
From these meetings, we will participate in providing member experiences, assist with member concerns, and receive the latest information to communicate to PPOA members. While contacting PPOA to provide us with work experiences and concerns is important, we cannot stress enough the importance of utilizing the chain of command within your agency. Often, through these communications, problems are getting resolved, as well as concerns are being brought to the attention of those who were unaware and can be addressed immediately.
Additionally, our family at home, the PPOA staff, have had their safety and concerns considered. At this time, and through technology, all PPOA staff have been provided the opportunity to “telework” either full-time or part-time, with their presence only needed in the office to retrieve files or supplies. Rest assured, at least one staff member will be in the PPOA office during business hours as scheduled for any needs that cannot be addressed telephonically or electronically.
After completing our research and confirming available information, later this week PPOA will be providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist in most circumstances. In addition to our continued updates, the County has created a website for information distribution specific to COVID-19 issues – https://lacounty.gov/covid19/
As always, thank you for being a PPOA family member and be safe.
Tab Rhodes
PPOA President