On Wednesday, May 6, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that on Friday, May 8, the city will offically enter “Stage 2” of a five-stage coronavirus restriction adjustment period. During this period, the Mayor said:
– Angelenos should continue to wear face coverings in public, avoid coming into close contact with other individuals, and practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
– Everyone should continue to limit travel and non-essential activities, and stay home as much as possible.
– Some retail establishments will be allowed to offer online/phone orders and curbside pick-up ONLY, including:
- florists
- toy stores
- music stores
- bookstores
- clothing stores
- sporting goods stores
Also, car dealership showrooms may open for sales with adherence to distancing, cleaning and infection control protocol.
But restaurants will still be closed to dine-in guests.
(NOTE:Â Stand by for more on how our Larchmont Blvd. merchants will be reacting to the new orders – we’ll be sure to provide news as soon as we hear it!.)
In addition to the retail openings, “trails, trailhead parks, and golf courses (NOT including Runyon Canyon) will reopen on Saturday, May 9, as long as activities adhere to distancing and cleaning and infection control protocol, including the wearing of face coverings.”
The Mayor also made it clear, however, that this is not a rush to return to pre-COVID-19 practices. Instead, he said, it’s part of living with a “new reality:”
“Until there is a vaccine or effective treatment, COVID-19 will continue to be a serious public health threat to our communities, our city, and our country. We must learn how to live with the new reality and find ways to safely begin to gradually lift restrictions, making minor adjustments over a long period of time.
As we move forward, it is critical that we continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid a surge in the number of cases that would overwhelm our hospitals.
The City of Los Angeles will take a gradual and staged approach to our response to this crisis — working with leaders across the region and continuing to be guided by expertise from County, State, and Federal public health officials. This approach will enable us to slowly lift restrictions while carefully monitoring risks and needs, and adjusting our approach as needed.
The gradual relaxing of restrictions will require the patience, persistence and partnership of residents, businesses, workers, government representatives and public health officials.
We must act as one, fighting to keep Los Angeles safe and healthy, and protecting our friends, families and neighbors.
There is a long road ahead, but we will get through this challenging time together.”
Also This Week…
COVID-19 Deaths Stabilize, but Cases Still Rising
While the city dips its toe into re-opening the economy, however, it does not mean the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The good news this week is that, for the first time, LA County reported COVID-19 deaths equal to (not higher) than the week before. But overall, case numbers rose sharply again, possibly as a result of increased testing and reporting. See the LA County COVID-19 Dashboard or the Los Angeles COVID-19 Dashboard from City Controller Ron Galperin for up-to-date numbers on both cases and deaths. Also, our Larchmont Buzz local case tracker, shows case tallies in our area neighborhoods.
Emergency Cooling Centers Open Again
With another wave of hot weather upon us, LA County has re-opened a number of free cooling centers around the metro area. See https://lacounty.gov/heat/ for the full list and map of locations. The centers, which will are following guidelines for social distancing, are open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. today (temperatures are expected to drop a bit tomorrow). The LA County Department of Animal Care and Control is also reminding everyone of their summer weather and heat tips for our furry family members.
LAUSD Announces August Start Date and Summer School Plan
On Monday, May 4, LAUSD Superintendant Austin Beutner announced that classes for the 2020-2021 school year will begin on Tuesday, August 18. The District has not yet determined, however, what form the opening will take, and whether instruction will take place virtually or on re-opened school campuses.
In addition, Beutner also announced that the District will provide summer school options this year for ALL students, starting in mid-June. The options will include:
- Invitation-only credit recovery and intervention for high-need students (which is standard practice for the District)
- Instruction in core subjects (math and English Language Arts) for all students in Preschool through 12th grade. (These classes are new for LAUSD and will run for two hours each day.)
- Enrichment opportunities in a variety of subjects for all students (these may including classes in ukulele or guitar, sponsored by the Fender company, as well as options for math, literacy and critical thinking skills, as well as virtual trips to places like zoos and libraries )
Participation in all of the summer programs will be voluntary, and more details will be announced soon.
