Garcetti Issues “Safer at Home” Order

Last night, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a first-ever order for all Californians to stay home as much as possible, to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and its resulting illness, COVID-19.  Newsom’s order was quickly followed by “Safer at Home” orders from both LA County and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.  The orders take place immediately and could result in misdemeanor penalties for violations.

Newsom’s order is the first such statewide order in U.S., which has recorded 14,250 confirmed cases of the virus so far, with 1,057 of those in California and 231 in LA County as of this morning.  (For up to the minute totals, the LA Times has a handy live tracking page…which also currently shows 12 cases in West Hollywood, 11 in the Melrose neighborhood, 5 in Hollywood, 3 in Park La Brea, 2 in Hancock Park, and 1 in Koreatown.)

While outlining the dos and don’ts of the city order, Garcetti said “This is not a lockdown, but I want to be clear: the only time you should leave your home is for essential activities.”  In short, people are allowed out for essential shopping (groceries, drug stores, hardware stores, etc.) and medical visits, or to care for family members and people who are sick, as well as to walk, run, bike, etc. (while maintaining appropriate social distancing),  but all other movement outside the home is discouraged.  Also, “essential” businesses, such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants (for takeout, delivery and drive-through only), banks and credit unions, transportation services and healthcare operations will remain open, but all others will close.

The Buzz will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, but as of now, the following graphics outline the situation as of this morning.