On Sunday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued new restrictions across the state amid growing coronavirus concerns.
He suggested that all bars, wine bars, breweries, and pubs be closed. Restaurants must reduce their occupancy by half. He also declared that community members over the age of 65 enter into a state of home isolation as they are a high-risk group.
While the ruling was sweeping, it did not call for the closure of restaurants. They must instead operate with curbside food service and at-home food deliveries.
NEW: Those that are 65 and older or vulnerable to #COVIDー19 must practice home isolation.Bars, night clubs, wineries, and breweries should close in CA.Restaurants -- focus on takeout for those isolating. Maximize social distancing.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 15, 2020California is not the first state to issue similar measures as a result of the growing coronavirus fears. Governors in Ohio and Illinois have also issued similar measures, resulting in the closures of bars, restaurants, and other businesses, while New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for the voluntary closure of all businesses.
Newsom said at a press conference Sunday that the measures are in place to hopefully slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce the number of deaths by the virus. The measures will give hospitals and doctors a chance to treat patients with the most serious cases of the illnesses without being overwhelmed by additional cases.
Mayor Garcetti released a statement on the conditions of Los Angeles during the coronavirus pandemic. "Everything we do right now will determine the outcome of this crisis, and we can save lives if we stay calm, care for one another, and take forceful steps to protect our communities. That's why we must follow the guidelines laid out by Gov. Newsom, build on them for local needs, and put the health and safety of the most vulnerable above all else. Los Angeles has weathered enormous challenges before, and our strength and resilience are this City's most powerful assets," he said in a statement.
As of Sunday morning, 2,952 cases of the virus were reported in the United States. LA County now has a confirmed 69 cases.
