Safer at Home Order Extended to May 15

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced an extension of the Safer at Home emergency order—originally set to expire April 19—through May 15.

“Angelenos should continue to refrain from non-essential activities and stay home as much as possible” under the order. “Non-essential businesses and activities will remain closed. Physical distancing and face coverings for workers and customers will continue to be required.”

Essential businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants offering takeout or delivery, will remain open.

The mayor’s Worker Protection Order for many essential non-medical businesses remains in place, requiring employees and customers to wear non-medical-grade face coverings. The order requires employers to provide employees with cloth face coverings that shield their noses and mouths or reimburse them, as well as implement physical distancing measures for employees, customers and visitors.

Will Rogers State Beach remains closed, with signs being placed along paths to discourage people from disregarding the closure.

The city launched a COVID-19 myths page for residents to check the accuracy of information learned from friends, social media and elsewhere. Myths dispelled on the site include receiving rewards for reporting neighbors who are not adhering to the Safer at Home order and that the National Guard is enforcing martial law in LA.

The temporary Los Angeles Surge Hospital, which has 266 beds, is now open to treat COVID-19-positive patients. The hospital is the result of a partnership between Governor Gavin Newsom, LA County, Dignity Health and Kaiser Permanente.

The city and county of LA continue to partner to expand free COVID-19 testing to residents with symptoms or those who have been prevented from working due to contact with someone who has tested positive. Same or next day testing appointments are prioritized for individuals over 65 or who have underlying chronic health conditions.

On Friday, April 10, LA County saw 475 new confirmed cases of coronavirus—a 6% increase from the day before.

“This marks now the fifth day in a row of single-digit increases,” Garcetti said during a briefing. “As I said, I won’t be happy until we have negative numbers, but in the meantime, this is a huge accomplishment that you have achieved through your discipline, through your love, through your adherence to these orders.”

As the Palisadian-Post went to print Tuesday evening, the county had 10,047 cases with 360 deaths. There were 32 confirmed cases in Pacific Palisades.

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms or are waiting for test results should self-isolate. Anyone who tests positive must notify those they have been in close contact with (within six feet apart for 10 or more minutes), starting from 48 hours before showing symptoms, according to new CDC guidelines.

“Physical distancing, face coverings and other hygienic practices are slowing the rate of increase and saving lives,” Garcetti shared in a tweet on Monday, April 13. “Now is not the time to ease up.”