Los Angeles County extended its stay-at-home order through at least May 15 and announced new procedures for essential businesses on Friday, remaining faithful that these measures will continue to flatten the curve and curb the spread of COVID-19.
The previous stay-at-home order for LA residents was set to end on April 30. While the new measure extends this by over two weeks, there is the possibility it could be extended into the summer.
LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer delivered the news to reporters on Friday, starting her briefing by listing the number of deaths, tests and newly-infected cases across the county.
“It is important to use a justice framework when we’re looking at the devastating impacts of this deadly pandemic,” Ferrer said.
There were 8430 cases and 241 deaths from COVID-19 in LA County as of Friday, according to data from the Department of Public Health.
Ferrer went on to explain that the purpose behind extending the measure was to further the positive impact that officials have seen from the public staying at home.
“Because people are heeding the directives, we have in fact seen what is the flattening of the curve,” she said. “Extending safer at homes means that we are able to keep in place the measures that we know are working.”
Ferrer reiterated that all public and private gatherings are still prohibited and that beaches, trails, parks and other public areas remain closed.
She also laid out two new requirements for essential businesses. First, employees who operate with or around people must wear a cloth facemask at all times Second, businesses must provide employees with a plan as to what measures they will take to limit exposure to the novel coronavirus, and how they will implement cleaning requirements in the workplace.
Ferrer said the new measures will begin at midnight on April 15. County officials will conduct telehealth appointments with these businesses in the meantime to discuss how they can adjust accordingly.
Last week, USC announced that the first summer term, which takes place from May 20 - June 30 will be held online. The university has yet to decide whether the second summer term, which lasts from July 1 - Aug. 11, can be held in-person.
On Thursday, USC made wearing a facemask mandatory for students in public settings. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti made similar orders for LA residents on Tuesday. USC announced they will be distributing facemasks to the students and essential employees remaining on campus.
Students who lived in campus housing prior to the transition will be able to return to campus and collect their belongings beginning Apr. 27. The university has developed a calendar schedule that will limit the number of people allowed in any area. Students who are unable to return before May 31 can request that their belongings be packed and placed in storage. It has not been clarified if these plans will change following the extension of the stay-at-home mandate.