FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020
Governor Issues Stay At Home Order for all Californians
Thursday, March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued direction to all California residents to stay at home effective immediately unless they are participating in “essential functions” like purchasing food, getting prescriptions or necessary health care, or going to an essential job. Vulnerable populations and residents age 65 and older must stay home.
The order is intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) to California citizens.
According to the order, when people need to leave their homes for essential functions, they should practice social distancing and maintain a six-foot separation from all persons except family members.
Stay At Home Order:
Can I Go Outside?
You can go outside for walks and recreation but won’t be able to do so in groups.
Social distancing should be practiced at all times by maintaining a six-foot separation from all persons except for family members.
Laguna Beach City playgrounds are closed, and social distancing guidelines must be maintained at beaches and in parks.
The state recommends avoiding play structures and playgrounds as they are high-touch areas.
Why Should I Comply?
This is a lawful order from the State of California that requires your compliance. This order protects the health of all California residents.
Where Does This Apply?
This is in effect throughout the entire State of California.
Changes Made to City Services Following Stay at Home Order
Following the Governor's Stay at Home Order, the following service changes have been made to Laguna Beach City services effective immediately:
• All City offices remain closed to the public. Essential functions remain operational with limited City staff; all non-essential City employees will work remotely if possible.
• All Planning Commission, Design Review Board and Committee meetings are canceled through April. The March 31 City Council meeting is still scheduled but public participation shall be limited to electronic and telephonic participation.
• The Police Department Lobby is closed; use the intercom at lobby door to speak to personnel or call (949) 497-0701 and press 1. 9-1-1 is operating as usual.
• All Laguna Beach Trolley Service is suspended.
• The Laguna Beach City pool is closed.
• All Spring Community Service classes are postponed through April.
• All City children’s playgrounds are closed.
• Social Distancing signs are being posted at all City parks and beaches.
• The Laguna Beach Farmer's Market will be held Saturday, March 21.
All City offices remain closed to the public.
Essential services will be provided.
For questions call (949) 497-3311 during regular business hours.
Laguna Beach Farmer's Market Open Saturday
Updated state COVID-19 guidelines allow for the continued operation of certified farmers markets throughout the state of California.
Those guidelines include discontinuing samples, encouraging pre-bagging to expedite purchasing and spacing booths and patrons in accordance with state social distancing measures.
The Laguna Beach Farmer's Market will be open Saturday, March 21 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon in lot 11 of the Village Entrance located at the corner of Forest Avenue and Broadway.
Senior Services Available
If you are a senior age 65 and over and you are self-isolating at home, Sally's Fund team members are shopping, running errands and providing transportation for seniors to doctor's appointments. Call (949) 499-4100.
Age Well will be providing “Grab & Go” meals for seniors in need beginning Wednesday, March 25 and every Monday, Wednesday & Friday thereafter, as needed.
The meals will be available for pick-up in the parking garage at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center around 11:30 a.m.
Arrangements will be made to deliver meals, if necessary, using Meals-on-Wheels volunteers for the immediate future. For more information call Patty Quilter at (949) 464-9535.
Local Restaurant Takeout and Delivery Encouraged
All bars that do not serve food are closed to the public. Bars that serve food and all restaurants are closed to on-site public dining but may still offer takeout and food delivery.
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce has created a resource of local food takeout and delivery options from local restaurants, at the link below.
This newsletter is texted out directly to residents registered for Laguna Beach’s Nixle Community Alert system.
Know someone or a senior who needs to sign up? Simply have them text 92651 to 888-777.
What to Do If You Think You May Have Coronavirus
Stay at home. If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus or may be sick with COVID-19, even if you are not sure, stay at home. Staying at home protects others.
Call your doctor. According to the CDC, if you think you are sick, call your doctor. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
If you do not have a doctor call the Orange County Health Care Agency COVID-19 Health Referral Hotline: 1 (800) 564-8448. They will help you find an urgent care clinic or drive through testing facility in your area. Commercial testing options are now available in California upon clinician referral.
OCTA Reducing Bus Service Beginning Monday, March 23
All OC Bus routes will temporarily shift to the Sunday service schedule seven days a week, beginning Monday, March 23, a reduction in service necessary to help protect the health of OCTA employees while providing reliability to riders who are still depending upon the OC Bus service.
The Sunday schedule, which is about 40 percent of the typical amount of weekday bus service, is listed by route on the www.OCBus.com website.
Don't Flush Those Disposable Antibacterial Sanitizing Wipes!
Laguna Beach Public Safety Departments Fully Operational and Responding to All Calls
The Laguna Beach Police, Fire, and Marine Safety Departments remain fully operational and are responding to calls as normal.
We are vigilant in our response to COVID-19, and committed to ensuring the safety of our community and visitors.
At this time, our operational priority is to remain proactive in regards to slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Our first responders will be wearing additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when responding to 911 calls. This equipment consists of gloves, masks, gowns and goggles.
The added personal protective equipment will provide additional protection to the public, patients and our first responders.
Please do not be alarmed by our response and our level of personal protective equipment. It's purely precautionary to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our community safe and healthy.
If You Have An Emergency,
Always Dial 9-1-1
The City of Laguna Beach is Committed to Bringing You COVID-19 Information
The City of Laguna Beach is committed to keeping you updated on the latest COVID-19 information. We're providing resources, closures and postponements, the latest COVID-19 news and health information on our website.