Residents Told to Stay Home; 6 Cases Reported In Manhattan Beach
Mar 20, 2020 10:02AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Editor's note: This story was updated on Friday afternoon to reflect that there are now six reported cases in Manhattan Beach.
The L.A. County Department of Health has a two-word message for all county residents, including Manhattan Beach: Stay. Home.
Meanwhile, Manhattan Beach now has six reported cases of COVID-19, according to LAPDH.
The LADPH "Safer At Home order, which applies to all areas in Los Angeles County,
including Manhattan Beach, directs the public to remain in their homes
and leave only for essential trips such as for groceries and medical
visits. The directive came on the same day as California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered all Californians to stay at home with certain exceptions.
“These measures are important steps to ‘flatten the curve’ and
preserve the health of our community. The city strongly encourages
residents and visitors to comply with these public safety measures," said Mayor Montgomery in a statement. "The
best way to be a good neighbor right now is to stay in your house and
limit your exposure in the public."
This newest order reflects an escalating response to COVID-19 that is based on data available to health professionals. It is expected that additional orders and limitations will be announced.
The county’s order will be in
effect until at least April 19, 2020. The order prohibits gatherings of
ten or more people, and closes all indoor malls and non-essential retail
stores.
The city has urged people to observe "social distancing" rules by staying six feet apart or more from each other on the Strand.
Pier, Park, Field Closures
As of Thursday, the city also implemented additional facilities closures, now including the Manhattan Beach Pier, Bruce's Beach, the volleyball courts south of the Manhattan Beach Pier, and all parks and fitness stations.
"Public health and safety is at risk, and if we don’t all do our parts to
reduce the spread of COVID-19, it will get much worse, and will have
even more serious effects for us all,” said Montgomery in a statement.
“At this time, in order to protect public health, we have no choice but
to close our parks and playgrounds, and the Manhattan Beach Pier among
other public gathering locations. I implore our community to treat this
situation as the National Emergency that it is, and take every
precaution to safeguard each and every person’s health, and the
collective health of our community.”
Non-Essential Construction Halted
On Friday, the city also halted non-essential construction in Manhattan Beach. The city declared that:
- Residential and non-residential construction activity is prohibited for the duration of the state of local emergency;
- Essential maintenance and repair of properties, such as gardening or plumbing leaks, may continue to occur; and
- Construction projects for critical infrastructure, such as utilities and communications, may also continue to occur.
Business Adjustments
Additionally, local businesses continue to adapt to the rapidly changing situation.
- Manhattan Beach restaurants are adapting with takeout and grocery service.
- Most grocery stores have added an early shopping hour for seniors.
- As of Friday, GROW The Produce Shop is limiting the number of shoppers in its store at one time to ten people. "I put 10 carts at the doors tonight. When they are gone please wait for a cart to come outside before you enter," wrote GROW owner Barry Fisher to his customers.
- Several local vendors who would normally sell through the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market are now offering delivery in Manhattan Beach. Check with Kepner Farms (@kepnerfarms on Instagram) for sustainably raised chicken, pork, lamb, and eggs from pasture-raised chickens. Also Tammie's Muffins (@tammiesmuffins on Instagram) is making local deliveries.
- Many yoga and exercise studios are offering online classes through YouTube or online meetups - check with your favorite studio for more information.
- Whale of a Wash is now offering pickup and delivery of laundry and fluff-n-fold services. Text 310-349-6404 to arrange a pickup.
- pages, a bookstore is continuing to fulfill online and phone orders. Orders will include a free "pages" coffee mug while supplies last. Orders can be shipped, or picked up at the outside pickup window.
