Following a weekend of packed parks and beaches, Los Angeles County has made the decision to close all of the hiking trails in the city to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Angelenos are going to have to resort to walking or jogging around their neighborhoods since county officials have temporarily put an end to public hiking trails. Though hiking remained on the list of activities that were deemed essential during L.A.’s “safer-at-home” order, restrictions were tightened Monday afternoon following a massive turnout of locals flocking to the coast as well as other public facilities in recent days.
UPDATE: Hiking trails in LA County will be closed. You may walk/run in your neighborhood for fresh air and exercise. Stay *at least* 6 feet away from others when you leave home.
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) March 23, 2020
Because of overcrowding this weekend, we’ve decided to close our @lacountyparks trails. Please remember, you’re safer at home. For exercise and fresh air, please stick to walks in your neighborhood, avoid going in large groups, and stay six feet apart. pic.twitter.com/szU0LSoieq
— Supervisor Kathryn Barger (@kathrynbarger) March 23, 2020
The people of the city are still being asked to follow social distancing guidelines when/if leaving their homes; practices include standing six feet away from others and remaining indoors if sick, even if you don’t believe that your illness resembles common coronavirus symptoms. Locals can still go to the grocery store, walk their dogs, and visit the doctor. As of right now, the emergency order is in place through April 19.
Learn more about what you CAN and CANNOT do while the safer-at-home order is in place, here.
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