As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, Los Angeles County has introduced one of the strictest stay-at-home directives in the United States. Despite the hopeful arrival of vaccines for some Americans as early as December, public health officials are concerned about the escalating number of new infections if people fail to adhere to safety protocols. This past week, the U.S. recorded over 200,000 new virus cases, a figure that may rise due to reporting delays following the Thanksgiving holiday. In L.A. County alone, more than 4,500 new cases were reported recently.
In response to this alarming trend, Los Angeles County has announced a new stay-at-home order intended to alleviate the strain on an already overwhelmed healthcare system. This “safer at home” directive will take effect on November 30 and remain in place until December 20. The announcement follows the decision to close outdoor dining at restaurants, as the region grapples with rising COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and fatalities.
The order prohibits all public and private gatherings with individuals outside of one’s household. However, it does allow faith-based services and protests to continue, recognizing them as “constitutionally protected rights.” The county is urging residents to remain at home as much as possible and to wear masks when venturing out.
Additional restrictions include limiting occupancy in nonessential retail stores, personal care services, and libraries to 20% capacity, while essential businesses like grocery stores can operate at 35% capacity. Outdoor businesses, including fitness centers, museums, zoos, gardens, and more, can function at a maximum of 50% capacity.
Schools and daycares will remain open as long as they comply with reopening protocols. If any facility reports three or more COVID-19 cases over a two-week period, it must close for two weeks.
“We understand that this is a significant sacrifice for many who have been doing their part for months, and we hope that L.A. County residents will continue to follow health measures that can help slow the spread,” stated Dr. Emily Chen, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “We need collective action now to curb this surge.”
Public reactions to the new restrictions have been mixed, with some expressing support and others voicing outrage on social media. One user, Alex Smith, referred to the orders as “an overreach,” while others applauded the precautionary measures.
Last week, Pfizer and BioNTech requested emergency use authorization from the FDA for their COVID-19 vaccine, which has shown 95% effectiveness in trials. Another vaccine from Moderna is expected to seek similar approval soon. However, these first vaccines will be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers and high-risk populations.
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In summary, Los Angeles County is implementing a strict stay-at-home order in response to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, effective from November 30 through December 20. While the order restricts gatherings and enforces capacity limits in various establishments, it allows for the continuation of certain activities like religious services. Public health officials emphasize the importance of collective action to combat the ongoing surge of cases.