This is the latest information that we have that has been verified or released by businesses or officials

June 28 – LA County Orders Closure of Bars, Breweries, Wineries, Tasting Rooms

May 7  – From L. A. County Parks & Recreation

Los Angeles County Golf Courses and Trails Reopen Saturday, May 9; Parks Remain Open Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) will reopen its golf courses and trails on Saturday, May 9. Local, community, and regional parks will stay open on Sunday, May 10. LA County Parks invites the public to safely enjoy its parks, golf courses, and trails by following guidelines and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

LA County Parks is taking precautions to ensure the health and safety of park guests, team members, and the community remains the top priority upon reopening. LA County Parks will launch a park monitor program at golf courses, trails, and local and regional parks with high visitors to remind players, visitors, and trail users of physical distancing and no group gathering requirements that remain in place. Staff training, prominent signage, and operations protocols are also part of the department’s necessary preparation and deployment for reopening.

The development of these protocols comes after consultation with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and input from the Golf Re-Opening Task Force and the Countywide Trail Re-Opening Task Force consisting of Local, State and Federal Parks and Recreation organizations and trail managing partners. Adherence is critical to safely operate these open facilities so the community can enjoy the emotional and physical benefits provided by golf and trails. 

As COVID-19 is a fluid crisis with rapid changes affecting park facilities, LA County Parks continues to assess operations daily in consultation with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on necessary safety precautions.

While LA County Parks’ golf courses and trails will reopen, there are specific restrictions and safety guidelines that the public must follow in accordance with the health officer order. These include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Golf Courses – Reopening on Saturday, May 9

• Golf courses are open for regular play of no more than 4 players per tee time. Tee times will be at least 10 minutes apart. No tournaments or group play.
• Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on the course or in the parking lot.
• Online reservations and payment recommended. Golf courses will accept payment online, and only by debit, credit, or gift card in person.
• Push carts and walking recommended. Golf carts are limited to single riders.
• Rental golf clubs and push carts are not available.
• Bring your own water. Drinking fountains are closed.
• Golfers may not touch, remove or adjust the flagstick during their round. Course green cups are touchless. Rakes, ball washers, benches, divot boxes, and sand bottles will be removed.
• Driving ranges open. The one-hour time limit may be enforced. Practice putting and chipping greens remain closed.
• Clubhouses and pro shops remain closed. Restaurants and cafes open for take-out only.

Trails – Reopening on Saturday, May 9

• Trail users are encouraged to check the Trails LA County website prior to visiting trails for updated lists of open trails, safety guidelines, notifications, and up-to-date information. The trail’s website offers information for over 600 miles of trails, including trails managed by partner agencies that residents can visit and experience the wonderful outdoors.
• Download the Trails LA County mobile app before heading out for real-time updates and offline location tracking and trail information to explore the extensive trail network within our diverse landscapes across the County.
• Do not visit public trails and trailheads if feeling sick and/or exhibiting any symptoms of illness.
• Follow all posted regulations at trails and trailhead facilities.
• Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on trails or in the parking lot.
• Limit visits to members of your household only.
• Everyone needs a face covering at the trailhead/parking lots and on any trails where there are other groups of people nearby.
  • Infants and children under the age of 2 should not wear cloth face coverings. Those between the ages of 2 and 8 should use them but under adult supervision to ensure that the child can breathe safely and avoid choking or suffocation. Children with breathing problems should not wear a face covering.
• Consider avoiding popular locations that are prone to crowds.
• Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
• Bring water, hand sanitizer, and/or disinfecting wipes to wash or sanitize hands frequently.
• Practice the leave-no-trace principles on the trails to protect park staff and wildlife, (take your trash).

Mother’s Day – Parks stay open, botanic gardens closed on Sunday, May 10

• Local, community and regional parks will remain open on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, for passive use, such as walking, jogging, and leisure time outdoors for individuals or families.
• Botanic gardens will be closed Sunday, May 10.
• Since the holiday is one of the busiest days of the year, LA County Parks reminds all park guests that physical distancing is required, and group gatherings are prohibited by the health order.

For more information on closures and changes in response to COVID-19, visit the LA County Parks website at https://parks.lacounty.gov/covid-19.

April 29 –  Every registered voter in LA County will receive a mail-in ballot in time for the November election

Yesterday the Board of Supervisors unanimously supported a proposal to make sure all 5.4 million registered voters in the County have the option to vote safely from home come Election Day. That way, no one has to choose between their health and their right to vote.

If you would prefer to vote in-person there will still be Vote Centers available for you, with extra precautions that will be taken to protect the health of both voters and election workers.

This plan not only applies to the November 2020 election — all elections moving forward will include a mail-in option for every registered voter so we can make voting more convenient and accessible for everyone.

If you are already registered to vote, you can expect your ballot by mail in October. If you are not registered yet, you can do so here (you will still receive a mail-in ballot).

April 8 – From La A. County Supervisors:

LA County has just launched a new free delivery service for older adults aged 60+ and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This program will help vulnerable individuals get the groceries, household items, and other necessities they need during this time without having to leave the safety of their homes.

Delivery will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no extra cost. No application process is required but items must be pre-paid and ready for pickup.

Deliveries can be scheduled by calling 1-888-863-7411 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

March 27 – Press Release from L. A. County:

Los Angeles County Launches New Interactive Digital Dashboards, Connecting Residents to Latest Updates on Covid-19 Impacts

Los Angeles County launched several new digital tools today to help residents access up-to-date information about the COVID-19 pandemic. A suite of new interactive maps and dashboards are now live on the County website, providing—in one place—a digital hub for updates about virus case counts, emergency proclamations, and information regarding openings and closures for parks, recreation sites, and schools throughout Los Angeles County. 

The new dashboards track, analyze, and display multiple data sources. They are the result of collaboration between the County’s Department of Public Health, Health Services, Parks and Recreation, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and the Office of Emergency Management. Though the focus is local, the new interactive sites also incorporate global data from Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 tracking map.

“These maps and dashboards are the latest step we have taken to keep the people of Los Angeles County informed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and connected to County services,” stated Kevin McGowan, Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. “The amount of information about the virus online can be overwhelming, and the data and updates change minute-to-minute. Our COVID-19 website, and its features including these new interactive tools, are a centralized source of trusted information.” 

Four new dashboards are now available (covid19.lacounty.gov/dashboards): 

1. 1. Case Count Dashboard: This map tracks and displays local Los Angeles County COVID-19 cases and deaths. The interactive dashboard allows users to click on a city or community name, zoom to the selected area, and view the total case count for that community, as well as adjacent areas. The dashboard is updated daily with case count data from the Department of Public Health. 
   2. Emergency Proclamations Dashboard: This interactive dashboard displays local emergency proclamations throughout Los Angeles County.  Users can click a city name to see when a local emergency was proclaimed and view the official proclamation. The dashboard links to cities’ official websites and is updated as LA County’s 88 cities make proclamations.
   3. Parks and Recreation Closures: This dashboard shows the status of recreation activities, senior programs, and other services provided by County Parks and Recreation.  Users can click to find out which services are open, partially closed, or completely closed. The dashboard is updated as services change throughout the County.
   4. School Closures: This dashboard displays the closure status of the 80 school districts supported by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Users can click a district to view schools and enrollment count. It is updated with information from LACOE.  

These new dashboards are built on an Esri ArcGIs platform, and are additionally accessible through a mobile version. They are located in the County COVID-19 site’s Newsroom section, which also contains videos, photos, links to Incident Reports, and daily summaries created by the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center. 

March 26 – Press Release from L. A. County:

L.A. COUNTY BUSINESS AND WORKER DISASTER HELP CENTER OPENS

Dedicated County Call Center Serving Residents Whose Livelihoods Have Been Disrupted During Coronavirus/COVID-19 Emergency

Today, with support of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Departments of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) and Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) are proud to announce the launch of the new L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center, a new centralized call center and website providing free, one-on-one counseling and support for business owners and workers who have been adversely affected by the ongoing Coronavirus/COVID-19 emergency.

Whether you are a business owner struggling to keep your doors open or a worker who’s uncertain about their next paycheck, L.A. County now has a single location where you can get immediate help, tailored to your situation. You can get assistance from the L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center in the manner that’s most convenient to you:

“While we are doing all that we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout Los Angeles County, we know that this pandemic is having an enormous impact on residents, businesses and organizations throughout our local communities, said L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “This Help Center will be a critical resource for businesses and employees by providing direct assistance to those in need.”

“While the residents of Los Angeles County have demonstrated an incredible amount of resilience during this challenging time, they will not weather this storm alone,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “The L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center is in line with my commitment to support our local businesses, and now more than ever, they deserve our help. L.A. County will respond by providing businesses, employers, and workers centralized resources at lacountyhelpcenter.org to ensure clear and consistent information as we collectively work to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

“Small businesses are facing serious financial distress and disruption during this time, and we want them to know they can rely on the County to be an effective leader and service provider as we help our business owners and workers navigate this crisis. The Help Center will not only help them to connect to resources but position our communities for recovery,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Joseph M. Nicchitta, Director of DCBA, said, “We recognize that every person in the County is dealing with their own unique circumstances due to the coronavirus emergency, and L.A. County is rising to meet that challenge. DCBA is proud to lead a coalition of departments and agencies to help improve the lives of business owners and workers in our communities.” The Help Center will assist businesses in determining the applicability of public health orders and accessing state and federal resources, including recent relief packages from the state and federal governments. For individuals, the Help Center will assist with filing unemployment insurance claims, finding employment opportunities, and discovering available County resources. “They can now turn to one dedicated place for assistance,” said Nicchitta.

“WDACS and our partners have been working around the clock to ensure businesses and workers have clear, one-on-one access to essential services. This free one-stop shop from L.A. County, easily accessible in different languages by phone, email, and online, will support all affected businesses and workers,” said Otto Solorzano, Acting Director of the L.A. County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services. “Through this Help Center, workers will have easy access to a number of financial benefits, including state unemployment insurance, as well as job search and career services provided by America’s Job Centers of California. Businesses will be helped with emergency loans, workshare programs, and individualized assistance. During this difficult time, L.A. County is moving quickly to address the growing need for support and guidance for our businesses and workers.”

The Business and Worker Disaster Help Center, operated jointly by DCBA and WDACS, is open to answer calls Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With the support of our County partners, the Help Center is staffed with dedicated, helpful, and multilingual support. Participating County departments and State agencies include:

• L.A. County Chief Executive Office
• L.A. County Office of Emergency Management
• L.A. County Child Support Services
• L.A. County Counsel
• L.A. County Internal Services Department
• L.A. County Department of Public Social Services
• L.A. County Treasurer and Tax Collector
• L.A. County Library
• L.A. County Department of Public Health
• L.A. County Department of Regional Planning
• California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

March 24 – Release from L. A. County:

LA COUNTY ALERTS PUBLIC ABOUT INCREASING COVID-19 SCAMS, WARNS OF FRAUDULENT WEBSITES, EMAILS AND DONATION REQUESTS

Los Angeles County residents are reminded of several fraud schemes designed to prey on the vulnerable in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Reports of malicious websites, email schemes, and suspicious links have come to the attention of law enforcement and public officials. 

“Malicious actors can prey upon those that are distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and use it to their advantage,” stated Los Angeles County Chief Information Officer William Kehoe. “The public needs to be mindful and careful, and avoid websites, phishing emails, and scams that engage people through false information about the health crisis, and steal personal user information and data. By clicking on fraudulent weblinks, hackers can deliver malware and then gain access to passwords, browsing information, credit card numbers, and other personal information. We all need to stay vigilant.” 

Currently, there are several Coronavirus tracking and mapping sites that are actually malware websites. Instead of clicking on these links, cybersecurity experts advise that website users should instead hover over the link to verify the uniform resource locator (URL) before moving forward. Online hackers may also send users emails from fraudulent accounts impersonating official websites and doctors, or offering medical supplies and services. 

A trusted COVID-19 mapping resource is the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Global Map, which can be found at coronavirus.jhu.edu. Additionally, there are several websites the County of Los Angeles recommends for accurate, up-to-date information on COVID-19. The following is a list of sites: 

• County of Los Angeles: covid19.lacounty.gov
• County of Los Angeles Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov 
• California Department of Public Health: cdph.ca.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov

As residents in Los Angeles County practice “Safer at Home” directives, they are spending more time at home and online. Scammers are also taking advantage of this change in circumstances by reaching out door-to-door asking for donations and fundraising contributions through cash, Bitcoin, or Paypal. The County of Los Angeles reminds residents that they are not required to open their door, and encourages everyone to not feel intimidated by a false sense of urgency to answer door-to-door solicitations. 

The following is a list of safety tips the public can follow:

• Avoid online advertising offers related to COVID-19 
• Decline door-to-door solicitations claiming COVID-19 fundraising 
• Do not click on emails and attachments that you do not recognize
• Visit trusted websites for COVID-19 related information

Everyone should remain vigilant and take these steps to avoid being victimized by malicious scammers trying to profit from the COVID-19 crisis. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report the information to local law enforcement. 

March 23 – Release from Southern California Gas

March 19 – Press release from Supervisor Kathryn Barger

SUPERVISOR BARGER ANNOUNCES “SAFER AT HOME”
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER

LOS ANGELES— To prevent further spread of COVID-19, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, held a press conference to announce the “Safer at Home” public health order, signed by L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis to take effect today.

Barger was joined by L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, who both have health departments in their cities.

Under the “Safer at Home” guidelines, L.A. County has directed residents to refrain from gathering in an enclosed space with more than 10 people. First responders and those in healthcare, government, food services, and other essential industries will still be on the job. The order directs businesses deemed nonessential, such as retail stores and malls, to close temporarily.

“This is the next step in protecting our communities from the coronavirus and will have invaluable long-term effects,” Supervisor Barger said. “This order will increase social distancing while still enabling residents to shop for essential items at the market, pharmacy, and hardware store, and still be able to visit the bank or gas station.”

Barger encouraged L.A. County residents to find ways to give back, including supporting local businesses, checking in on their elderly neighbors, donating funds to local nonprofits, assembling hygiene kits for those in need, or giving blood.

“We know this will have an impact on the social fabric of L.A. County,” Supervisor Barger said. “We still encourage people to stay connected to their community and their loved ones in creative ways and to spend much-needed time outdoors. Being Safer at Home doesn’t mean being alone—you are still an important part of your community.”

Visit lacounty.gov for more information, including updates on closures, food services, and utility relief.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will continue to share updates at publichealth.lacounty.gov.

See the Health Order here.

March 19 – Press Release From L. A. County Assessor:

Statement from Keith Knox, Treasurer and Tax Collector on COVID-19 and April 10 Property Tax Deadline

“I understand that this is a very stressful time, especially for those suffering direct effects from this public health crisis, and my office is committed to helping in any way we can. Los Angeles County property owners affected by the COVID-19 virus may have late penalties cancelled if they are unable to pay their property taxes by the April 10 deadline.

We have no authority to extend the April 10 deadline, as outlined by State Law. However, beginning on April 11, the day after property taxes are due, people unable to pay on time for reasons related to COVID-19 may submit a request for penalty cancellation online. The department has set up a special team to process these requests for those who demonstrate they were affected by the outbreak.

We encourage all property owners who can pay their taxes on time to do so. This revenue helps keep the government running and providing vital services that the public relies on, especially in times like these.

Since County buildings are currently closed to the public during this emergency, there will be no in-person payments. Instead, taxpayers can pay online, via telephone or by mail. There is no cost for e-Check payments online. For online credit/debit card transactions, our card payment processor charges a 2.25 percent service fee.

We have developed responses to our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Please click here for our FAQs

Taxpayers can also visit https://ttc.lacounty.gov/, to review payment methods and several other online self-service options. Taxpayers may also call (213) 974-2111 for additional information” 

March 17 -Press Release from Los Angeles Superior Court

All Civil and Criminal Trials. Jury Duty are Suspended through April 16
Order will Keep the Court Open for Emergency and Essential Matters
No Jurors are to Report Until April 16

Over the next few days, there will be additional news releases explaining in further detail the extent to which the Los Angeles Superior Court is scaling back judicial and court resources in response to the current public health crisis.

March 16 – Pres Release from Mayor Garcetti’s Office

Mayor Garcetti announces relaxed parking enforcement as part of response to COVID-19. Read more: 

March 16 – Press release from Governor’s Press Office

Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Protect Renters and Homeowners During COVID-19 Pandemic  

The Executive Order authorizes local governments to halt evictions, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shut offs

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.

The Executive Order comes as Californians are experiencing substantial loss of hours or wages, or layoffs related to COVID-19, affecting their ability to keep up with their rents, mortgages, and utility bills.

“People shouldn’t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “Over the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices – but a place to live shouldn’t be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians.”   

The order does not relieve a tenant from the obligation to pay rent, or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover rent that is due. The protections are in effect through May 31, 2020, unless extended. The order also requests banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures and related evictions during this time period.

The Governor’s Executive Order asks the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures undertaken by public and private utility providers to implement customer service protections for critical utilities, including electric, gas, water, internet, landline telephone, and cell phone service on a weekly basis.

The full Executive Order can be found here. 

March 16 – Update from L. A. County Health Department:

25 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 25 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Because testing limitations still exist, the best approach is to practice social distancing at every opportunity, assuming that many people can be infected.

Additional case information:

• Five cases have an unidentified source of exposure.
• One case was exposed during recent travel.
• One case had close contact with a confirmed case.
• Seventeen of these cases are pending more investigation.
• One is the case reported by the Pasadena Health Department yesterday.

To date, Public Health has identified 94 cases; of these, 15 cases are likely due to community transmission. Two of the cases confirmed today were hospitalized. Cases are occurring across LA County, so everyone should be aware and practice social distancing.

Public Health is investigating these cases and will notify close contacts who are household members, intimate partners and healthcare professionals to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined.

“We are seeing a significant increase in cases and evidence of community spread as more testing occurs,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director. “We are implementing more social distancing requirements and we expect everyone to do their part.”

Public Health has issued the following guidance during this time of increased spread:

• Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate.
• Event organizers postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings of 50 or more until at least the end of March.
• Limit gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (people older than 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic illness) to no more than 10 people.
• This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services, including public transportation, airport travel or shopping.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home and call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen. Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
• Exclude employees and visitors with any fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and visitors with recent travel to any country or region with significant community transmission (including communities in the US) from all schools, businesses, and gatherings of any size.
• Follow all social distancing recommendations issued by Public Health.

Additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website.

Please see the locations were cases have occurred:

The public should not think one location is safer than the other. Cases are occurring across LA County, so everyone should be aware and practice social distancing.

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
• California Department of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
• LA County residents can also call 2-1-1

March 16 – Press release from Supervisor Kathryn Barger

March 15 – Press release from County of Los Angeles:

Los Angeles County buildings to close Monday as officials ramp up efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19

Los Angeles County will close all of its buildings to the public effective Monday, March 16, as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger announced Sunday.

The announcement comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom directed closure of California’s bars, brewpubs and wineries, and called on people over 65 and others at higher risk of serious complications from exposure to the virus to stay at home.

“We need to do all we can to protect the public and our employees in the midst of this expanding public health crisis,” Supervisor Barger said. “Our departments will continue to provide essential services to our residents, but it is prudent to limit public access to our facilities at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to follow the guidance of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.” (For the latest recommendations and answers to frequently-asked questions, go to https://lacounty.gov/covid19/frequently-asked-questions/)

“Our goal is to slow the transmission of COVID-19, but we can’t do it alone,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Each and every one of us, both businesses and residents, must do our part by practicing social distancing and taking common sense infection control precautions.

“We urgently need to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in order to keep our hospitals and emergency rooms from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients,” she added. “Flattening the curve requires conscientious social distancing efforts by all our L.A. County residents during this time of crisis.  Our collective efforts during this pandemic can literally save the lives of our loved ones and most vulnerable residents.” 

County hospitals and clinics will remain open. Essential services from first-responders will continue, and many departments will continue to operate with modified services to minimize in-person contacts.

Los Angeles County libraries and museums are also closed, along with every school district in the county.

On Sunday, the Department of Public Health confirmed 16 new cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, bringing the total to 69 cases, with 10 of the new cases believed to be due to community transmission.

Residents should go to https://lacounty.gov/covid19/ for up-to-date information on closures, and can also find information on each County department’s website.

March 14 – Press Release from the L.A. County Library system

LA COUNTY LIBRARY CLOSES ALL LOCATIONS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS THROUGH MARCH 31, 2020

As a precaution to help limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), all 86 library locations will be closed March 15 – March 31, 2020.

LA County Library will close all 86 locations as of March 15 through March 31, 2020. The decision to close libraries was made following guidance from State and local health officials to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and encourage social distancing.

“After careful consideration, and discussions with local health authorities, we have decided to close our libraries in an abundance of caution and to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19.” said Library Director Skye Patrick. “We understand the impact this can potentially cause on customers and will continue to monitor the situation closely to provide updates.”

The health and safety of staff and customers are of utmost importance and the Library will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to provide updates on credible information and guidance during this time.

To provide for some continuity of service offerings, customers can contact their local LA County Library with questions about resources and services. Visit LACountyLibrary.org/library-locator to find a local library with contact information. We will continue to staff our telephone lines for Reference Services, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm. Teachers, parents, and caregivers can contact Library staff for resources and engagement tips for children while they are home from school.

The library locations listed below will keep the lobby open for customers to pick up holds beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 9 am.

We plan to identify more locations in the near future and will notify our customers.

Due dates for borrowed materials will automatically be extended, no late fines will be assessed, and customers can return materials when the Library reopens. Customers are encouraged to utilize the digital resources available 24/7 including access to ebooks, audiobooks, movies and TV, digital magazines, music and more.

Press release from the Governor’s Office March 12:

Governor Newsom Statement on Disney Agreeing to Close California Parks 

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the below statement following the announcement that Disney will close its California parks to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19:

“Late last night, California put out a new policy on mass gatherings and engaged in deep conversations with Disney and other companies about how to meet it. Using that policy, Disney made the right call in the interest of public health and agreed to shut down their California parks. Expect more announcements like this shortly.”

March 12 Press Release from the CIF:

FROM:                    ROB WIGOD, COMMISSIONER OF ATHLETICS

SUBJECT:                CIF SOUTHERN SECTION COVID-19 VIRUS UPDATE

In response to the latest developments related to the Covid-19 virus, I wanted to reach out to our member schools, school districts, school communities and the general public, through our website and our social media platforms, to help clarify the situation from our perspective. We have created the questions and answers you see below, in an effort to identify and address the immediate issues that we are all faced with. As in all things of this nature, and with the fluidity of this situation, the CIF Southern Section will continue to work with local, state and federal health organizations in monitoring this rapidly changing health crisis.

1. Does the CIF Southern Section have a plan in place in case of outbreak within section schools?

The CIF Southern Section is too large, both by number of schools and by geographic area, to have a “one size fits all” response to this virus. We believe that the important decisions regarding school closures, cancelling/postponing athletic events, etc., should be made by local schools and school districts, in concert with their local and state health officials and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. That is the most efficient plan of action going forward and we have full confidence in our local leaders to make the correct decisions in keeping their students and families safe. We will respect and support those decisions and stand by to help them in any way we possibly can.

2. Is there any plan to cancel or reschedule upcoming events?

As of this moment, there is no plan by the CIF Southern Section to cancel or reschedule upcoming events. Again, individual school site administrators and their leadership will guide us in this regard. If this situation continues into spring championships, when those events come directly under the control of the CIF Southern Section Office, we will address those concerns in advance of that time.

3. Are you in contact with the CIF State Office and/or neighboring sections and what is their plan?

We have been, and continue to be, in contact with the CIF State Office and the other sections in the state. In order to assist our member schools and school districts in responding to questions regarding the status of CIF spring sports, and to serve as a resource to our member schools, the 10 CIF Section Commissioners will be meeting in Sacramento on Tuesday, March 17, to discuss the possible impact of COVID-19 on our upcoming spring season. Also, the OF State Office has put out this advisory: https://cifstate.org/sports-medicine/coronavirus on their website, which is www.cifstate.org, for member schools to refer to.