The Los Angeles County system, affecting nearly 20 million people in and around the country’s second-largest city, has surpassed the curfew imposed last week by California Governor Gavin News – mostly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding social gatherings and other unnecessary activities.
Taken together, they represent the toughest Covid-19 measures in the Los Angeles area since the first nationwide lockout in California in early March of the epidemic. These are among the most limited among the country
State and local authorities have established or re-enforced a wide range of social and economic activities in the hope of washing away a wave of coronavirus infection out of control nationwide since the end of the summer.
Political leaders and health officials have in recent days stepped up public appeals to epidemic-weary Americans to stay home, avoid gatherings and stop Christmas shopping as they wait for the promised vaccines.
In announcing the latest temporary disruptions, LA County health officials said the daily number of newly recorded infections exceeded 500 cases for five days, exceeding a pre-determined magnetism to take additional measures to prevent infection.
Under the new LA County Order, which runs through Dec. 20, residents are advised – but not required – to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear a face mask outside the home and around others at all times.
However, any social gathering of people from more than one family is prohibited, public or private, and outside or outside the home. The minimum order still allows some measurement of commercial activity, although reduced levels are reduced
This reduces the maximum occupational level of the “necessary” retail business, including grocery stores, to 35% capacity, while non-essential retail locations such as indoor shopping malls and personal care services such as nail salons can remain open for 20% capacity.
Beaches, trails and parks are also open, as long as people maintain a distance from others outside their homes and wear a mask. This applies to golf courses, tennis courts, skate parks and other outdoor recreational areas.
All indoor and outdoor services in bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries are prohibited under a previous county order that restricts their acceptance and delivery only.
Health officials across the country have warned that the holiday travel season and the onset of winter weather – resulting in greater social mixing and indoor crowds – are fueling a Covid-19 outbreak that has sent infections, hospitalizations and deaths to record levels.
Across Los Angeles County, about 388,000 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed so far, including deaths, including more than 100 deaths, with a 10% positive return on all diagnostic tests – twice the rate considered by health authorities.
