County Issues Amended Health Order and Guidance to Slow Spread of COVID-19
County Issues Amended Health Order and Guidance to Slow Spread of COVID-19
City of Laguna Beach, March 18, 2020, Media Release
Businesses are encouraged to remain open while adhering to State’s guidelines on social distancing
Laguna Beach, CA — On Wednesday, March 18, the Orange County Public Health Care Agency issued an amended County Health Officer Order (posted at bottom) regarding restrictions on public and private gatherings in Orange County through March 31. The Amended Emergency Health Order is issued to help slow the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.
The amended County Health Officer Order states that most Orange County businesses can remain open as long as they adhere to the state’s guidelines on social distancing. The California Department of Health’s guidelines include actions like canceling non-essential events, working from home where possible and practicing social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus. According to the guidelines, social distancing means maintaining a six-foot separation from all persons except for family members. Everyone age 65 and over or with chronic health conditions is asked to self-isolate at home.
According to the Health Officer’s Order:
Bars and Restaurants Closed to Public Dining. All bars that do not serve food are closed to the public effective immediately.
Bars that serve food and all restaurants are closed to on-site public dining but may still offer take-out and food delivery.
Gyms, Health Clubs and Theaters are Closed to the Public.
Grocery Stores to Remain Open.
Food is essential for the public, and grocery stores will continue to remain open. We encourage you to be a kind, respectful shopper and shop only for what you need, so everyone in our community can provide for their families.
All Non-Essential Public or Private Gatherings Are Prohibited. Businesses may remain open, however, maintaining a six-foot separation of social distancing between persons is recommended to the greatest extent possible. All businesses are encouraged to make every effort to use telecommuting for its workforce.
The City is following guidance from the Federal, State and County authorities. Based on the Orange County Health Officer’s Order, the City has determined that the weekly Farmer’s Market can continue to serve the Laguna Beach community starting Saturday, March 21. State guidelines on increased hygiene and social distancing must be followed.
City Hall and all City facilities are closed to the public; however, City operations will continue to operate with available staff while maintaining state social distancing parameters.
For questions about City services, please call (949) 497-3311 during regular business hours.
The situation is fluid and information provided in this statement is subject to change. We encourage everyone to get their information from official sources, including the resources listed below.
Additional Resources
The City is constantly communicating with our community partners, and also regularly updating additional information on COVID-19 on our website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/coronavirus
Find the complete updated list of changes to operations and community cancellations at www.lagunabeachcity.net/coronavirusclosures If you are a non-profit community partner with a cancellation, please email it to webteam@lagunabeachcity.net
The Orange County Public Health Care Agency COVID-19 Health Referral Hotline:
1 (800) 564-8448.
Orange County Health Care Agency information webpage
California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Information webpage
California Governor’s COVID-19 Awareness Information webpage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Information webpage
Amended Health Order – March 18, 2020
