The governor of the state of California issued a new health order this week that set strict stay-at-home requirements and limitations on business for multi-county regions facing reduced critical care resources due to the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and Intensive Care Units (ICU) admissions. The regional ICU bed availability has dropped below 15% and effective Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10 p.m., outdoor dining, personal care services businesses, including hair and nail salons, and all bars will be required to close down for at least 21 days.
Affected communities, including Pasadena, will have limitations of 20% on all retail establishments. Under the state order, restaurants will be required to return to takeout and delivery services only. All gatherings of more than one household are prohibited; sector operations will be closed, except for critical infrastructure and retail; and face coverings and physical distancing will be required in all others operations. Schools that have been granted waivers will be allowed to continue to operate, as well as childcare facilities. City officials are awaiting more specific guidance from the state regarding additional restrictions.
“It is devastating to see the rapid increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, and our public health department is in constant contact with Huntington Hospital and other healthcare facilities to monitor the situation. The governor’s order supersedes the City’s authority and is based on the need for regional and statewide control to address this pandemic. We are sorry for the impact of the state health order on our retail businesses, our personal care service providers, on our restaurants who can no longer undertake outdoor dining, and on all of us. But given the gravity of the situation, an approach of this magnitude appears necessary,” states City Manager Steve Mermell.
“We need to do our part to avert the projected devastating scenario. We must refrain from gathering with people from outside our household whenever possible. We need to work together to protect our family, friends, neighbors and businesses,” adds Pasadena Public Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh.
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