From Wednesday, all restaurants, breweries, wineries and bars will be limited to takeout and delivery.
On Sunday, L.A. County public health officials announced a new order shutting all outdoor dining as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge. The new restrictions which go into effect on Wednesday at 10 p.m. will limit restaurants, breweries and bars, to takeout and delivery. This will be a modification of the current order in place and will be to be in place for a minimum of three weeks, according to officials.
“The persistent high number of cases requires additional safety measures that limit mixing in settings where people are not wearing masks,” said Barbara Ferrer, the L.A. County health director.
This follows a second wave across the state with case numbers tripling over the last month and hospitalizations increasing by 92% in L.A. County compared to the month prior. When the previous order was announced, officials warned that if the five-day average of new cases reached 4,000 there would be stricter measures imposed. On Sunday, it reached 4,097, according to the Public Health Department.
As new COVID-19 cases remain at alarming levels and the number of people hospitalized continue to increase, the LA County Health Officer Order will be modified to restrict dining at restaurants, breweries, wineries and bars, effective Wednesday, November 25 at 10:00 p.m. pic.twitter.com/SQo08dF63A
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) November 22, 2020
Today, 9 new deaths and 2,718 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed.
The restrictions will go into place a day before Thanksgiving, which will be yet another blow to the already crippled hospitality industry. However, county officials are urging residents to celebrate the occasion in a safe way while supporting local businesses.
“As we modify our Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, we are reminded of the many families who will miss their loved ones who have passed away from COVID-19. We send wishes for healing and peace.”
“We hope individuals continue to support restaurants, breweries and wineries by ordering for takeout or delivery. We also fervently hope every L.A. County resident supports all our businesses by following the public health directives that we know work to slow spread,” said Ferrer.
Public Health Department announced that numbers will continue to be monitored with the possibility of tighter restrictions if the curve is not flattened, to ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed.
Featured Image: Harriet’s Rooftop