latimes--2020-03-24--4 hospital workers among 41 coronavirus infections now confirmed in Ventura County

A total of 41 coronavirus cases , including four hospital employees , have been confirmed in Ventura County as of Tuesday morning , according to the county ’ s public health department .
Three physicians and one administrator at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura tested positive for the virus , according to a hospital representative .
Each of the employees is “ doing fine ” and being quarantined at home , representative Michael Ellingson said Tuesday .
No other details regarding the employees were made public .
The transmission method in the infections is unknown .
There is currently only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital , Ellingson said .
That patient ’ s condition is unknown at this time .
In response to the recent discovery of the cases , Ellingson said that the hospital is investigatng to make sure that no other employees or patients contracted the virus as well .
“ Our infection control team always conducts a thorough investigation to identify who may have had contact and we go through the [ patient ] history , ” he said .
So far , the county has reported one death of a person their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the county ’ s .
No other details were made public .
COVID-19 has in L.A. County thus far .
As of Tuesday , a total of 680 tests have been conducted in Ventura County , according to county public information officer Ashley Bautista .
By Sunday , the state of California had conducted 26,400 tests .
The was reported March 6 , that of a person who had sailed on the Grand Princess cruise ship , which returned to San Francisco on Feb. 21 , according to state officials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county ’ s public health department issued a “ ” emergency order through April 20 , much like the orders imposed throughout the state .
The department has been posting video messages from local doctors on their Facebook page to encourage people to stay at home .
The Ventura County Sheriff ’ s Office also sent out an emergency alert Monday afternoon to cellphones in the area to remind people to self-isolate and practice social distancing when outside their homes for essential services only , public information officer Eric Buschow said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sporadic complaints over the weekend that local businesses not considered essential were still operating despite the emergency order , Bushow said .
However , the department didn ’ t issue any citations , which they consider to be a last resort , he added .
“ It ’ s just taking the time to educate [ local businesses ] and making sure they understand ” the orders , Bushow said .
“ Everybody seems to be handling this really well , better than someone would anticipate .
”

A freeway sign urging people to wash their hands to avoid the coronavirus is seen along the 101 Freeway in Ventura County.
A total of 39 coronavirus cases, including four hospital employees, have been confirmed in Ventura County as of Tuesday morning, according to the county’s public health department.
Three physicians and one administrator at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura tested positive for the virus, according to a hospital representative.
For the record: An earlier version of this article and the headline noted there were 41 cases of COVID-19 in Ventura County. There are 39 cases. Health officials initially tallied 41 cases on Tuesday, but two of those who tested positive live in Santa Barbara County while their tests were processed in Ventura County.
Each of the employees is “doing fine” and being quarantined at home, representative Michael Ellingson said Tuesday. No other details regarding the employees were made public. The transmission method in the infections is unknown.
There is currently only one patient with COVID-19 being treated at the hospital, Ellingson said. That patient’s condition is unknown at this time.
In response to the recent discovery of the cases, Ellingson said that the hospital is investigatng to make sure that no other employees or patients contracted the virus as well.
Advertisement
“Our infection control team always conducts a thorough investigation to identify who may have had contact and we go through the [patient] history,” he said.
So far, the county has reported one death of a person their 70s who had underlying health conditions, according to the county’s incident information website . No other details were made public. COVID-19 has killed seven people in L.A. County thus far.
As of Tuesday, a total of 680 tests have been conducted in Ventura County, according to county public information officer Ashley Bautista. By Sunday, the state of California had conducted 26,400 tests.
Health officials initially tallied 41 confirmed cases in the county Tuesday, but two of those who tested positive live in Santa Barbara County while their tests were processed in Ventura County.
The first Ventura County case was reported March 6, that of a person who had sailed on the Grand Princess cruise ship, which returned to San Francisco on Feb. 21, according to state officials.
Due to the rise in cases, the county’s public health department issued a “ Stay Well at Home ” emergency order through April 20, much like the orders imposed throughout the state. The department has been posting video messages from local doctors on their Facebook page to encourage people to stay at home.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office also sent out an emergency alert Monday afternoon to cellphones in the area to remind people to self-isolate and practice social distancing when outside their homes for essential services only, public information officer Eric Buschow said Tuesday.
Advertisement
The Sheriff’s Office responded to sporadic complaints over the weekend that local businesses not considered essential were still operating despite the emergency order, Bushow said. However, the department didn’t issue any citations, which they consider to be a last resort, he added.
“It’s just taking the time to educate [local businesses] and making sure they understand” the orders, Bushow said. “Everybody seems to be handling this really well, better than someone would anticipate.”


latimes--2020-03-24--Send us a video of your coronavirus stay-at-home setup

Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s order for Californians to stay home to slow the rate of coronavirus transmissions has @ @ @ @ @ most people .
What have you done to adapt to work and life at home @ @ @ @ @ and in one minute or less , show us your home office , give us @ @ @ @ @ planted garden , or give us a peek of your video conference happy hour with @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re coping with either working from home , or with the loss of @ @ @ @ @ you sane in these house-bound times .
*Note : Please film horizontally ( landscape ) @ @ @ @ @

Working from home is the new normal while we try to avoid getting and spreading the coronavirus. What’s your new normal look like?
Send us a video showing us what you’re wearing to work, what you’re cooking, how you’re working out and what you’re doing to stay sane as you stay home. Submit your video via our form below or upload via social media with the hashtag: #howiWFH
We’ll be creating a video of your submissions to share with all of you, so any tips or advice you have is welcome!
Advertisement
*Note: Please film horizontally (landscape) with your cellphone.


latimes--2020-03-24--Gun stores must close amid coronavirus restrictions, L.A. County sheriff says

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva on Tuesday said gun shops are nonessential businesses and if they don ’ t close their doors , they will be cited and face the loss of their business licenses .
“ Gun shops , strip clubs , night clubs are nonessential businesses .
We are trying to get them to close their doors , ” he said .
“ If they don ’ t close their doors , they will be cited , ” which could mean the loss of a business license .
“ We aren ’ t going to haul people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department is informing any gun businesses to shut down immediately .
To ensure the message is delivered , deputies will talk to owners at any businesses still in operation .
As the numbers of cases in Los Angeles County soared to more than 660 on Tuesday , the sheriff said it was time to “ double-down ” on the need to enforce social distancing .
Many store owners were already complying with the new order .
At Bell ’ s Western Firearms Inc. , the store operator said the business had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
At Red Rifle in Carson , buyers whose transactions are already being processed are allowed to pick up their weapons by appointment only .
At Cap Tactical Firearms in Lawndale , only those who made purchases before Thursday will be allowed to pick up firearms and those buyers will be contacted , according to a telephone recording .
This is not a unique decision , the sheriff said , noting that some Northern California counties deemed gun stores nonessential last week and called for their closures .
Villanueva , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports the 2nd Amendment but said given the spread of the coronavirus in Los Angeles County , which has more than 500 confirmed cases , only essential businesses should be open .
The move comes after county officials strengthened rules ordering all nonessential businesses to cease in-person operations and close to the public .
There are exceptions , including food and medical services , transportation , social services and a host of other facilities .
The new order requires nonessential businesses to close their physical premises — specifically , nonessential businesses that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home .
Villanueva later on Tuesday blamed the confusion of whether gun stores should be open with unclear language in state and county orders that created a potential loophole .
“ We have received complaints from particular businesses that have not been adhering to the social distancing .
Chief among them gunshops nightclubs , bars and strip clubs so we have fanned our and are making sure these business are complying.
” The sheriff said “ it ’ s not an issue of banning the sales of guns , which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is there was a little bit of lack of inclusive planning process in the development of the local order from health officer .
That had created some what of a conflict with order coming from the Governor ’ s office that were more broad stroked .
We have identified a loophole that needs to be addressed.
” Gun sales are surging in many U.S. states , especially in those hit hardest by the coronavirus — California , New York and Washington .
But there ’ s also been an uptick in less-affected areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unraveling of the social order and some gun owners worried that the government might use its emergency powers to restrict gun purchases .
Federal background checks jumped 34 % in February as gun sales skyrocketed .
Many people have ordered weapons and are awaiting delivery .

Customers line up outside Guns Direct on Magnolia Avenue in Burbank on March 17.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva on Tuesday said gun shops are nonessential businesses and if they don’t close their doors, they will be cited and face the loss of their business licenses.
“Gun shops, strip clubs, night clubs are nonessential businesses. We are trying to get them to close their doors,” he said. “If they don’t close their doors, they will be cited,” which could mean the loss of a business license.
“We aren’t going to haul people off to jail,” he added.
The department is informing any gun businesses to shut down immediately. To ensure the message is delivered, deputies will talk to owners at any businesses still in operation.
Advertisement
As the numbers of cases in Los Angeles County soared to more than 660 on Tuesday, the sheriff said it was time to “double-down” on the need to enforce social distancing.
A line at the Martin B. Retting gun store in Culver City on Sunday extends out the door and around the corner. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Many store owners were already complying with the new order. At Bell’s Western Firearms Inc., the store operator said the business had already been closed for two weeks because of the coronavirus. At Red Rifle in Carson, buyers whose transactions are already being processed are allowed to pick up their weapons by appointment only.
At Cap Tactical Firearms in Lawndale, only those who made purchases before Thursday will be allowed to pick up firearms and those buyers will be contacted, according to a telephone recording.
This is not a unique decision, the sheriff said, noting that some Northern California counties deemed gun stores nonessential last week and called for their closures.
Villanueva, a gun owner, noted that he supports the 2nd Amendment but said given the spread of the coronavirus in Los Angeles County, which has more than 500 confirmed cases, only essential businesses should be open.
Advertisement
The move comes after county officials strengthened rules ordering all nonessential businesses to cease in-person operations and close to the public. There are exceptions, including food and medical services, transportation, social services and a host of other facilities.
The new order requires nonessential businesses to close their physical premises — specifically, nonessential businesses that are not retail stores. People can still work from home.
Villanueva later on Tuesday blamed the confusion of whether gun stores should be open with unclear language in state and county orders that created a potential loophole.
“We have received complaints from particular businesses that have not been adhering to the social distancing. Chief among them gunshops nightclubs, bars and strip clubs so we have fanned out and are making sure these business are complying.”
The sheriff said “it’s not an issue of banning the sales of guns, which the 2nd Amendment is about...the problem is there was a little bit of lack of inclusive planning process in the development of the local order from health officer. That had created some what of a conflict with order coming from the Governor’s office that were more broad stroked. We have identified a loophole that needs to be addressed.”
Gun sales are surging in many U.S. states, especially in those hit hardest by the coronavirus — California, New York and Washington. But there’s also been an uptick in less-affected areas, with some first-time gun buyers fearing an unraveling of the social order and some gun owners worried that the government might use its emergency powers to restrict gun purchases.
Federal background checks jumped 34% in February as gun sales skyrocketed. Many people have ordered weapons and are awaiting delivery.


latimes--2020-03-24--Here's who qualifies for coronavirus paid sick leave under new federal law

The federal government ’ s emergency coronavirus relief law includes paid sick leave benefits for American employees at small to midsize firms who have to take time off because of the spreading virus .
But the law signed by President Trump last week includes exceptions that some analysts said could exclude nearly 20 million private sector workers , including an exemption for small businesses that ’ s causing confusion as to how it will be implemented .
Congressional Democrats have introduced additional legislation to close those gaps and make paid sick leave available to all U.S. workers .
California already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers at least three days of paid sick leave each year .
Workers in Los Angeles are eligible for twice that : at least six paid sick days annually .
The new federal law — which marks the first time that paid sick leave has been mandated nationwide — would expand that for eligible workers , and it came in response to the sudden , dramatic slowdown in U.S. economic activity caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Businesses big and small are shutting down or cutting their operating hours , and a surging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid off .
That has led to skyrocketing claims for unemployment benefits , and many of those still employed are getting fewer hours of work .
Under the new law , qualified employees include those who have COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus ; who are in quarantine ; who are caring for a family member affected by the virus — that is , a relative who has COVID-19 , is subject to a government quarantine or has been advised by a doctor to self-quarantine ; or who are caring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have closed .
Firms paying the sick leave would be reimbursed with federal tax credits .
Full-time workers would get up to two weeks of paid leave , and part-time workers would get a period of leave equal to the number of hours they work on average over a two-week period .
The payments would be capped at $ 511 a day for those who are sick with the virus or seeking care , and $ 200 a day for those caring for a sick family member or children .
The law says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee finding a replacement worker , and businesses must post the law ’ s requirements “ in conspicuous places ” where their employees work .
However , the new law excludes companies that employ more than 500 people , many of which have their own sick leave plans .
It also gives the Department of Labor the authority to exempt firms that employ healthcare workers and emergency responders if those companies want to opt out of paying sick leave .
The bill also gives the Labor Department the authority to let small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the sick leave payments “ would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern ” — in other words , if the company fears that paying the benefit would help drive it out of business .
That exemption “ is a huge loophole ” in the new law , said Elise Gould , senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute , a labor think tank .
“ There ’ s no reason why it should be so onerous for a small business to take this up , because they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax credits.
” She said that federal data show 27 % of U.S. private sector workers are employed at firms with 50 or fewer workers , and that 36 % of those employees don ’ t have access to paid sick leave .
The result is that 12.8 million workers at small businesses are in jeopardy of not getting paid sick leave even with the new law , Gould said .
An additional 6 million to 7 million workers employed at firms with more than 500 workers also would be ineligible , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether small firms that want an exemption must obtain one from the Labor Department before they refuse to pay sick leave to workers , or they can immediately decline to pay sick leave while waiting for such an exemption , said David Barron , a labor attorney with the law firm Cozen O ’ Connor .
“ Typically , a law is passed and the enforcement agency would have the ability to clarify and explain that law in the form of regulation , ” Barron said .
“ But this situation is moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how fast the Department of Labor would be able to provide that sort of guidance.
” Barron likewise noted that those small firms that do pay for sick leave “ will get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their taxes ” under the law , and that the Labor Department has until April 2 , when the law takes effect , to issue guidance .
“ The Department of Labor could establish some mechanism for small employers to apply for waivers and have that hashed out before this thing takes effect , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liss-Riordan , said that “ in the meantime , I believe the employer would be responsible for paying sick leave under the act.
” Three Democratic members of Congress — Sen. Patty Murray of Washington , Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Rep. Rosa De Lauro of Connecticut — have introduced a bill , called the PAID Leave Act , that would provide “ all employees and independent contractors ” with 14 emergency paid sick days , to be “ reimbursed in full by the federal government.
” DeLauro said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law Trump signed “ left out tens of millions of workers from access to meaningful paid sick days or longer-term paid leave , including our frontline healthcare workers and first responders.
” The new bill is needed “ so no one falls through the cracks , ” she said .
Sen. Edward J. Markey ( D-Mass . )
also called on Congress to ensure that the next relief package include paid leave provisions that “ specifically apply to gig workers , ” or on-demand workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many gig companies have become household names and are able to successfully provide important services to millions of American customers , ” Markey said in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) .
“ The failure of their employers to properly categorize them as employees means that gig economy workers are essentially left on their own during this crisis , ” Markey wrote .
Other politicians , including Sen. Mark Warner ( D-Va. ) , and gig advocacy groups have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial burden on gig workers if they become ill with COVID-19 or choose to limit their exposure by staying home .
Liss-Riordan has taken the issue to court .
She ’ s filed federal lawsuits in San Francisco seeking emergency motions requiring Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees so they can at least be covered under the California law .
“ Uber ’ s failure to provide paid sick leave as mandated by state law means Uber drivers will need to work while sick to make ends meet and substantially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illnesses to the general public , ” the suit against that company states .
Uber and Lyft declined to comment on the litigation , but reiterated their past comments that they would provide funds to drivers diagnosed with the virus or placed under quarantine .
Uber said its drivers would receive unspecified financial assistance for up to 14 days , and Lyft also said it would provide unspecified financial support to its drivers .

Medical staff test a person for the coronavirus in a drive-through setting at the Kaiser Permanente Geary campus in San Francisco on March 11.
The federal government’s emergency coronavirus relief law includes paid sick leave benefits for American employees at small to midsize firms who have to take time off because of the spreading virus.
But the law signed by President Trump last week includes exceptions that some analysts said could exclude nearly 20 million private sector workers, including an exemption for small businesses that’s causing confusion as to how it will be implemented.
Congressional Democrats have introduced additional legislation to close those gaps and make paid sick leave available to all U.S. workers.
Advertisement
California already has a law providing full- and part-time workers at least three days of paid sick leave each year. Workers in Los Angeles are eligible for twice that: at least six paid sick days annually.
The new federal law — which marks the first time that paid sick leave has been mandated nationwide — would expand that for eligible workers, and it came in response to the sudden, dramatic slowdown in U.S. economic activity caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Businesses big and small are shutting down or cutting their operating hours, and a surging number of employees are being furloughed or laid off. That has led to skyrocketing claims for unemployment benefits, and many of those still employed are getting fewer hours of work.
Under the new law, qualified employees include those who have COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus; who are in quarantine; who are caring for a family member affected by the virus — that is, a relative who has COVID-19, is subject to a government quarantine or has been advised by a doctor to self-quarantine; or who are caring for children whose schools or day care centers have closed. Firms paying the sick leave would be reimbursed with federal tax credits.
Full-time workers would get up to two weeks of paid leave, and part-time workers would get a period of leave equal to the number of hours they work on average over a two-week period.
The payments would be capped at $511 a day for those who are sick with the virus or seeking care, and $200 a day for those caring for a sick family member or children.
Advertisement
The law says the benefit is not contingent on the employee finding a replacement worker, and businesses must post the law’s requirements “in conspicuous places” where their employees work.
However, the new law excludes companies that employ more than 500 people, many of which have their own sick leave plans. It also gives the Department of Labor the authority to exempt firms that employ healthcare workers and emergency responders if those companies want to opt out of paying sick leave.
The bill also gives the Labor Department the authority to let small businesses with fewer than 50 workers opt out if the sick leave payments “would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern” — in other words, if the company fears that paying the benefit would help drive it out of business.
That exemption “is a huge loophole” in the new law, said Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, a labor think tank. “There’s no reason why it should be so onerous for a small business to take this up, because they’re going to get that back in tax credits.”
She said that federal data show 27% of U.S. private sector workers are employed at firms with 50 or fewer workers, and that 36% of those employees don’t have access to paid sick leave.
The result is that 12.8 million workers at small businesses are in jeopardy of not getting paid sick leave even with the new law, Gould said. An additional 6 million to 7 million workers employed at firms with more than 500 workers also would be ineligible, she said.
What’s confusing is whether small firms that want an exemption must obtain one from the Labor Department before they refuse to pay sick leave to workers, or they can immediately decline to pay sick leave while waiting for such an exemption, said David Barron, a labor attorney with the law firm Cozen O’Connor.
“Typically, a law is passed and the enforcement agency would have the ability to clarify and explain that law in the form of regulation,” Barron said. “But this situation is moving so quickly, I don’t know how fast the Department of Labor would be able to provide that sort of guidance.”
Barron likewise noted that those small firms that do pay for sick leave “will get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their taxes” under the law, and that the Labor Department has until April 2, when the law takes effect, to issue guidance.
“The Department of Labor could establish some mechanism for small employers to apply for waivers and have that hashed out before this thing takes effect,” he said.
Another labor lawyer, Shannon Liss-Riordan, said that “in the meantime, I believe the employer would be responsible for paying sick leave under the act.”
Three Democratic members of Congress — Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Rep. Rosa De Lauro of Connecticut — have introduced a bill, called the PAID Leave Act, that would provide “all employees and independent contractors” with 14 emergency paid sick days, to be “reimbursed in full by the federal government.”
DeLauro said in a statement that she was “disappointed” the law Trump signed “left out tens of millions of workers from access to meaningful paid sick days or longer-term paid leave, including our frontline healthcare workers and first responders.”
The new bill is needed “so no one falls through the cracks,” she said.
Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) also called on Congress to ensure that the next relief package include paid leave provisions that “specifically apply to gig workers,” or on-demand workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers.
“They are the reason that so many gig companies have become household names and are able to successfully provide important services to millions of American customers,” Markey said in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.).
“The failure of their employers to properly categorize them as employees means that gig economy workers are essentially left on their own during this crisis,” Markey wrote.
Other politicians, including Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), and gig advocacy groups have urged Congress to alleviate some of the financial burden on gig workers if they become ill with COVID-19 or choose to limit their exposure by staying home.
Liss-Riordan has taken the issue to court. She’s filed federal lawsuits in San Francisco seeking emergency motions requiring Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees so they can at least be covered under the California law.
“Uber’s failure to provide paid sick leave as mandated by state law means Uber drivers will need to work while sick to make ends meet and substantially increases the likelihood Uber drivers will spread illnesses to the general public,” the suit against that company states.
Uber and Lyft declined to comment on the litigation, but reiterated their past comments that they would provide funds to drivers diagnosed with the virus or placed under quarantine. Uber said its drivers would receive unspecified financial assistance for up to 14 days, and Lyft also said it would provide unspecified financial support to its drivers.


latimes--2020-03-24--To slow coronavirus spread, Orange County and others close parking at beaches, parks

Officials up and down the California coast — including in Orange County — are moving to restrict parking access to their parks and beaches in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Orange County took the plunge Tuesday , following an order by Gov .
Gavin Newsom to close parking lots at California ’ s state parks .
Newsom ordered the “ soft closure ” on Monday night , after large crowds descended on public parks over the weekend .
“ I think we need to take action today , ” County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where members took their usual seats on the dais while a number of seats were kept open to prevent those in the audience from sitting too close to one another .
“ We ’ ve got to protect the public .
We ’ ve got a public health crisis out there.
” The directive from Orange County Executive Officer Frank Kim will shutter county-owned parking lots at all trails , parks and beaches under OC Parks jurisdiction , effective immediately .
“ OC Parks is working on it now , ” county spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations include Aliso , Capistrano and Salt Creek beaches , as well as Irvine Regional Park , Talbert Regional Park in Costa Mesa and Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley .
While those spaces themselves will remain open , Orange County officials said they hoped closing the parking lots would keep residents — or out-of-town visitors — from crowding together .
“ I would not want to discourage residents from getting out and getting fresh air , ” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee .
Other counties and cities along the coast have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular beaches packed despite calls for people to stay home as much as possible and maintain at least a six-foot buffer around themselves when they go outside .
All parks and open spaces in Sonoma County are closed indefinitely , public health officials announced this week .
The closure includes city , county , state and federal parkland and recreational lands operated by private groups and nonprofits , according to a news release .
“ Closing parks is a difficult decision , but it is the right decision at this time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interim health officer , said in a statement .
“ Allowing crowded conditions in parks is not in our best interest during this health crisis .
The best action we can take is to stay close to home and limit our outdoor time to our yards and neighborhoods.
” People are now encouraged to walk around their neighborhood , garden , take bike rides and play or exercise in their own yards .
If visitors continue to park near and walk into the county ’ s regional park , rangers will work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We know that spending time outside is essential to our health , but too many people using the parks makes social distancing difficult , ” said Susan Gorin , chairwoman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors .
“ We all need to follow the health order and stick close to home for our outdoor activities .
If we change our actions now , we slow the spread of this disease sooner than later.
” Prior to Orange County ’ s action , individual cities in the county had taken it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huntington Beach ’ s iconic pier and all city beach parking lots closed Tuesday .
In neighboring Newport Beach , all beachfront parking lots and both piers will close beginning Wednesday .
In Laguna Beach , the City Council closed city beaches Monday night and ordered trail access to county wilderness parks blocked .
Parking lots at Venice Beach are closed too , as are beach parking lots in Santa Monica and Malibu .
Lots also are closed at beaches operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks and beaches will be closed through April 19 , officials said Tuesday .
The city ’ s Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier also will be inaccessible during that time .
“ We are taking this next step because there are too many people ignoring social distancing while visiting our trails and beaches , ” Mayor Robert Garcia wrote in a public message .
“ You can still ride your bicycle , walk your dog or go for a run , but we ’ re encouraging folks to avoid any type of gathering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a health crisis and we must act now.
” Long Beach ’ s latest public health order “ prohibits all indoor and outdoor public and private gatherings and events.
” Previously , gatherings of fewer than 10 people had been allowed , with some restrictions .
Others have gone a step further .
Beaches , playgrounds , city parks and athletic courts in Seal Beach were ordered closed by City Manager Jill Ingram .
San Diego ’ s beaches , boardwalks and parks are officially closed , as are beaches in Del @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach .
On Tuesday , Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu called for the closure of Runyon Canyon Park and Lake Hollywood Park on weekends .
“ Making this request pains me greatly .
I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment off the 101 Freeway , and our city ’ s parks were my only access to outdoor space , ” Ryu said of his recommendation to Michael Shull , the general manager of the city ’ s Department of Recreation and Parks .
“ I don ’ t make this recommendation easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekends , when we have seen the highest volume of visitors , should follow to keep everyone safe.
” Such restrictions aren ’ t limited to coastal areas , either .
Officials in La Quinta in Riverside County on Tuesday closed local skate parks , dog parks , children ’ s playgrounds and outdoor recreational courts .
The San Diego Union-Tribune and City News Service contributed to this report .

The Huntington Beach Pier has been closed by the city.
Officials up and down the California coast — including in Orange County — are moving to restrict parking access to their parks and beaches in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Orange County took the plunge Tuesday, following an order by Gov. Gavin Newsom to close parking lots at California’s state parks. Newsom ordered the “soft closure” on Monday night, after large crowds descended on public parks over the weekend.
“I think we need to take action today,” County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said Tuesday during the board’s meeting, where members took their usual seats on the dais while a number of seats were kept open to prevent those in the audience from sitting too close to one another. “We’ve got to protect the public. We’ve got a public health crisis out there.”
The directive from Orange County Executive Officer Frank Kim will shutter county-owned parking lots at all trails, parks and beaches under OC Parks jurisdiction, effective immediately.
Advertisement
“OC Parks is working on it now,” county spokeswoman Molly Nichelson said around midday.
Affected locations include Aliso, Capistrano and Salt Creek beaches, as well as Irvine Regional Park, Talbert Regional Park in Costa Mesa and Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley.
While those spaces themselves will remain open, Orange County officials said they hoped closing the parking lots would keep residents — or out-of-town visitors — from crowding together.
“I would not want to discourage residents from getting out and getting fresh air,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee.
Other counties and cities along the coast have taken similar action following a weekend that saw popular beaches packed despite calls for people to stay home as much as possible and maintain at least a six-foot buffer around themselves when they go outside.
All parks and open spaces in Sonoma County are closed indefinitely, public health officials announced this week.
The closure includes city, county, state and federal parkland and recreational lands operated by private groups and nonprofits, according to a news release.
Laguna Beach closed all city beaches and their adjacent parks in response to the coronavirus outbreak. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
“Closing parks is a difficult decision, but it is the right decision at this time,” Sundari Mase, the county’s interim health officer, said in a statement. “Allowing crowded conditions in parks is not in our best interest during this health crisis. The best action we can take is to stay close to home and limit our outdoor time to our yards and neighborhoods.”
Advertisement
People are now encouraged to walk around their neighborhood, garden, take bike rides and play or exercise in their own yards. If visitors continue to park near and walk into the county’s regional park, rangers will work with local law enforcement to restrict off-site parking.
“We know that spending time outside is essential to our health, but too many people using the parks makes social distancing difficult,” said Susan Gorin, chairwoman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “We all need to follow the health order and stick close to home for our outdoor activities. If we change our actions now, we slow the spread of this disease sooner than later.”
California Here are the latest coronavirus restrictions on beaches, hiking trails, parks, recreation spaces The city of Los Angeles city and other civic agencies announced new restrictions on movements due to the coronavirus.
Prior to Orange County’s action, individual cities in the county had taken it upon themselves to implement such restrictions.
Huntington Beach’s iconic pier and all city beach parking lots closed Tuesday. In neighboring Newport Beach, all beachfront parking lots and both piers will close beginning Wednesday.
In Laguna Beach, the City Council closed city beaches Monday night and ordered trail access to county wilderness parks blocked.
Parking lots at Venice Beach are closed too, as are beach parking lots in Santa Monica and Malibu. Lots also are closed at beaches operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
In Long Beach, parking lots at city-owned parks and beaches will be closed through April 19, officials said Tuesday. The city’s Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier also will be inaccessible during that time.
“We are taking this next step because there are too many people ignoring social distancing while visiting our trails and beaches,” Mayor Robert Garcia wrote in a public message. “You can still ride your bicycle, walk your dog or go for a run, but we’re encouraging folks to avoid any type of gathering and to avoid groups of people. This is a health crisis and we must act now.”
Long Beach’s latest public health order “prohibits all indoor and outdoor public and private gatherings and events.” Previously, gatherings of fewer than 10 people had been allowed, with some restrictions.
Others have gone a step further. Beaches, playgrounds, city parks and athletic courts in Seal Beach were ordered closed by City Manager Jill Ingram.
San Diego’s beaches, boardwalks and parks are officially closed, as are beaches in Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Solana Beach.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu called for the closure of Runyon Canyon Park and Lake Hollywood Park on weekends.
“Making this request pains me greatly. I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment off the 101 Freeway, and our city’s parks were my only access to outdoor space,” Ryu said of his recommendation to Michael Shull, the general manager of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks. “I don’t make this recommendation easily, but closing Runyon Canyon Park on weekends, when we have seen the highest volume of visitors, should follow to keep everyone safe.”
Such restrictions aren’t limited to coastal areas, either. Officials in La Quinta in Riverside County on Tuesday closed local skate parks, dog parks, children’s playgrounds and outdoor recreational courts.
The San Diego Union-Tribune and City News Service contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-24--2 Cal State Long Beach students test positive for coronavirus; city reports its first death

Two Cal State Long Beach students tested positive for the coronavirus and are in self-isolation off campus , the university announced in an email to students Tuesday morning .
The announcement comes on the heels of the city of Long Beach confirming its first COVID-19 fatality on Monday as the total number of .
One of the infected students has not been on campus for two weeks , the university said .
In the second case , public health officials determined there was no opportunity for on-campus exposure .
Students who may have come into close contact with the students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the email .
“ While it was to be expected that The Beach family eventually would be affected by this pandemic , we were saddened to hear this news , ” Kimberly Fodran , codirector of student health services and chief of medical staff , wrote in the email .
“ It is a sober signal that the impact of this illness will be felt widely .
It is critically important that everyone adheres to all the social distancing measures and practice good public health hygiene , including washing hands as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently , avoid touching their faces , maintain physical distance from others and disinfect frequently touched items at home .
Cal State Long Beach and all 22 other campuses in the CSU system have suspended in-person classes and will continue instruction by internet for the rest of the semester .
Spring commencement and related cultural celebrations have been postponed “ until after the pandemic crisis , ” the university said on its website .
A San Diego State student who had been studying abroad in Italy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus earlier this month , authorities said .
The student is self-isolating at his permanent residence outside San Diego County , the university said .
His three housemates are also self-quarantining , per guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The student visited two on-campus offices after his return from Italy but did not attend any classes .
The university was completing a “ thorough , hospital-grade cleaning ” of the offices and contacting the few individuals who may have had contact with the student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de la Torre and interim medical director Rory Brening to the campus community said .
A student at San Jose State has also tested positive for COVID-19 .
The university said the off-campus student is recovering at home .
Long Beach officials said the patient who died was a woman in her 50s with underlying health problems .
“ We ’ ve been dreading this day and were hoping it would never come , ” said Mayor Robert Garcia .
“ We extend our deepest condolences to the victim ’ s family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourn this incredible loss to our community.
” The 19 cases the city has currently diagnosed range from mild to very severe , officials said .

People continue to walk, ride bicycles and play basketball at Junipero Beach in Long Beach during the coronavirus lockdown on March 22, 2020.
Two Cal State Long Beach students tested positive for the coronavirus and are in self-isolation off campus, the university announced in an email to students Tuesday morning.
The announcement comes on the heels of the city of Long Beach confirming its first COVID-19 fatality on Monday as the total number of cases rose to 19 .
One of the infected students has not been on campus for two weeks, the university said. In the second case, public health officials determined there was no opportunity for on-campus exposure.
Students who may have come into close contact with the students are being notified by health officials, according to the email. “While it was to be expected that The Beach family eventually would be affected by this pandemic, we were saddened to hear this news,” Kimberly Fodran, codirector of student health services and chief of medical staff, wrote in the email.
Advertisement
“It is a sober signal that the impact of this illness will be felt widely. It is critically important that everyone adheres to all the social distancing measures and practice good public health hygiene, including washing hands as frequently as possible.”
Students were reminded to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid touching their faces, maintain physical distance from others and disinfect frequently touched items at home.
Today marks the first day of alternative instruction, and President Jane Close Conoley has a special message for students, staff, faculty and the greater campus community.
View her full message at: https://t.co/8o9xO4x4jW pic.twitter.com/Zrk2JEoXI2 — Cal State Long Beach (@CSULB) March 23, 2020
Cal State Long Beach and all 22 other campuses in the CSU system have suspended in-person classes and will continue instruction by internet for the rest of the semester. Spring commencement and related cultural celebrations have been postponed “until after the pandemic crisis,” the university said on its website.
A San Diego State student who had been studying abroad in Italy and returned to the San Diego area also tested positive for the virus earlier this month, authorities said. The student is self-isolating at his permanent residence outside San Diego County, the university said. His three housemates are also self-quarantining, per guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The student visited two on-campus offices after his return from Italy but did not attend any classes. The university was completing a “thorough, hospital-grade cleaning” of the offices and contacting the few individuals who may have had contact with the student, a note from university President Adela de la Torre and interim medical director Rory Brening to the campus community said.
A student at San Jose State has also tested positive for COVID-19. The university said the off-campus student is recovering at home.
Long Beach officials said the patient who died was a woman in her 50s with underlying health problems.
“We’ve been dreading this day and were hoping it would never come,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends and loved ones. We all mourn this incredible loss to our community.”
The 19 cases the city has currently diagnosed range from mild to very severe, officials said.


latimes--2020-03-24--O.C. residents can get daily coronavirus text alerts; Huntington Beach closes pier

As the ongoing coronavirus outbreak upends everyday life on an everyday basis , Orange County residents can now get the latest facts at their fingertips .
The county has launched a new text-alert system to share updates and resources related to the coronavirus outbreak .
Residents can sign up by texting OCCOVID19 to 888777 .
The county ’ s Emergency Operations Center will send out daily text message updates to those who enroll .
The system , a collaboration with Everbridge Nixle , is the latest telephonic resource the county has rolled out to distribute information regarding the coronavirus — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two hotlines — one for public information , ( 714 ) 628-7085 , and an Orange County Health Care Agency referral line , ( 800 ) 564-8448 — are also available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily .
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Orange County and throughout the state , officials have steadily ramped up their efforts to lessen the disease ’ s spread .
A centerpiece of the local- , county- and state-level response has been ordering residents to stay home as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around themselves should they venture outside .
However , popular destinations — particularly along the coast — continued to draw crowds of cooped-up Californians over the weekend , leading some officials to take more drastic steps to curtail the congregations .
Huntington Beach officials announced the closure of the city ’ s iconic pier , effective Tuesday .
“ Although Huntington Beach prides itself on its amenities , our top priority remains the health and safety of our community , ” Mayor Lyn Semeta said in a video statement .
The Laguna Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close city beaches by Monday night and work toward blocking local trail access to county wilderness parks .
Amid the continuing outbreak , Gov .
Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard to assist food banks statewide .
President Trump also has announced that the federal government would pay for National Guard deployments in the state .
“ I applaud our brave men and women in uniform that have been activated in California to assist the people of this great state as we combat the coronavirus pandemic , ” Orange County Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement Monday .
“ I welcome the National Guard ’ s assistance in providing necessary food and supplies to our residents in this time of great need .
”

A surfer leaves the water near the Huntington Beach Pier in this file photo. The structure was closed Tuesday as the city works to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
As the ongoing coronavirus outbreak upends everyday life on an everyday basis, Orange County residents can now get the latest facts at their fingertips.
The county has launched a new text-alert system to share updates and resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Residents can sign up by texting OCCOVID19 to 888777. The county’s Emergency Operations Center will send out daily text message updates to those who enroll.
Advertisement
The system, a collaboration with Everbridge Nixle, is the latest telephonic resource the county has rolled out to distribute information regarding the coronavirus — which so far has infected 125 residents.
California Coronavirus cases in Orange County jump to 125 The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Orange County increased by 30 on Monday, health officials said. No deaths have been reported.
Two hotlines — one for public information, (714) 628-7085, and an Orange County Health Care Agency referral line, (800) 564-8448 — are also available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Orange County’s new alert system will send news and updates to residents via text message. (Los Angeles Times)
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Orange County and throughout the state, officials have steadily ramped up their efforts to lessen the disease’s spread.
A centerpiece of the local-, county- and state-level response has been ordering residents to stay home as much as possible and to maintain a 6-foot buffer around themselves should they venture outside.
Advertisement
However, popular destinations — particularly along the coast — continued to draw crowds of cooped-up Californians over the weekend, leading some officials to take more drastic steps to curtail the congregations.
Huntington Beach officials announced the closure of the city’s iconic pier, effective Tuesday.
“Although Huntington Beach prides itself on its amenities, our top priority remains the health and safety of our community,” Mayor Lyn Semeta said in a video statement.
The Laguna Beach City Council also directed its staff to close city beaches by Monday night and work toward blocking local trail access to county wilderness parks.
Amid the continuing outbreak, Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard to assist food banks statewide. President Trump also has announced that the federal government would pay for National Guard deployments in the state.
“I applaud our brave men and women in uniform that have been activated in California to assist the people of this great state as we combat the coronavirus pandemic,” Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel said in a statement Monday. “I welcome the National Guard’s assistance in providing necessary food and supplies to our residents in this time of great need.”


latimes--2020-03-24--L.A. County reports first death of a coronavirus patient under 18 as cases top 660

Los Angeles County confirmed four more deaths linked to the coronavirus on Tuesday , including the first of a person under the age of 18 .
The number of deaths in the county from the virus is now 11 .
Tuesday ’ s update also included a previously reported death in Long Beach .
The young person who died was from Lancaster .
“ This is a devastating reminder that COVID-19 affects people of all ages , ” L.A. County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer said .
Two of the people who died were between the ages of 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues and resided in the West Adams neighborhood , health officials said .
The public health department said it was working to confirm how the minor contracted the virus and whether he or she suffered any underlying health issues .
They are also looking into whether the case marks the first such death of a minor linked to coronavirus in the country .
Authorities also confirmed an additional 128 cases of coronavirus infection , bringing the county ’ s total to 662 .
Of those , 42 % are in people ages 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in people 41 to 65 .
At least 119 residents , or 18 % of all positive cases in the county , have been hospitalized for the virus .
In Orange County , officials announced 27 new cases , bringing the total to 152 .
There have not been any deaths linked to COVID-19 .
San Mateo County saw a jump of 19 new cases , pushing its total to 161 , and its second fatality .
The number of cases increased by more than 10 % in one day , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in the county ’ s joint information center .
The latest death was of a resident at the Atria Senior Living facility in Burlingame , which learned on March 15 that a number of residents had tested positive .
Monday ’ s fatality was the first of a resident related to the coronavirus .
“ Our thoughts are with their family during this difficult time , ” Atria said in a statement .
“ We remain in close communication with all our residents and their families and continue to provide our support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Atria said it was working closely with the San Mateo County Health Department , and officials have been on site to confirm proper health and safety measures are in place .
The number of coronavirus cases in California surged to and the death toll climbed to 50 as officials issued urgent warnings about the need for more hospital beds and equipment as medical facilities begin to fill up .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom says he believes California will need 50,000 hospital beds for patients suffering from the illness caused by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 20,000 beds his administration forecast last week .
The Democratic governor said the state ’ s 416 hospitals were doubling their “ surge plans , ” a move that will result in 30,000 new beds across the system .
San Francisco officials warned that a surge in coronavirus infections was expected to come within a week or two , and voiced dismay over images of the public crowding beaches and parks across California .
“ The worst is yet to come , ” said Dr. Grant Colfax , San Francisco ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference Monday .
San Francisco has already taken steps to decompress the healthcare system — banning almost all visitors to hospitals and long-term-care facilities , canceling elective surgeries and routine medical visits , ordering that appointments be done by phone or video if possible , and opening up tents to care for patients who have mild symptoms in order to keep hospital beds free for those more seriously ill. A steep rise in people being hospitalized with COVID-19 in Los Angeles County likely signals the approach of a wave of extremely sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks , experts say .
As of March 6 , five people in the county had been hospitalized at some point with COVID-19 .
Two weeks later , on Friday , that figure had jumped to 48 .
By Monday , the total had climbed to 90 .
Though the raw numbers remain relatively low , the rate of increase has set many doctors and nurses on edge after watching the disease ’ s alarming trajectory in China , Italy and , most recently , New York City .
In Long Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city is now up to 28 confirmed COVID-19 cases .
“ If you have the ability to stay home , please do so , ” Garcia wrote .
“ Wash your hands and social distance .
We all need to work to flatten the curve.
” Art Marroquin , spokesman for the city ’ s joint information center , said Long Beach ’ s 28 cases include one of two Cal State Long Beach students who tested positive for the virus and were in self-isolation off campus .
The student was included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One student had not been on campus for two weeks , the university said .
In the second case , public health officials determined there was no opportunity for on-campus exposure .
Students who might have come into close contact with the patients were being notified by health officials , according to the email .
As the number of cases continues to rise , officials throughout the state kept up their call for an increase in testing capacity and reporting .
Frustrated public health directors in six Bay Area counties have ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pop-up testing sites that are screening residents for COVID-19 to begin reporting not just the positive cases , but the negative results too .
Dr. Sara Cody said testing remains woefully inadequate as Santa Clara County wrestles with mounting deaths .
As of Tuesday , 16 people had died in the county , more than half of the virus fatalities in California .
The Santa Clara County Sheriff ’ s Office confirmed four cases among its staff , including a deputy who is self-isolating at home .
California requires labs and hospitals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the number of negative tests .
Cody said that information is critical to tracking the spread of the virus .
She warned that Santa Clara County ’ s current critical situation is a window into what will be seen in San Francisco and other Bay Area communities in the next one to two weeks .
Contra Costa County is one of the six counties that ordered new requirements .
On Friday , health officer Chris Farnitano said the county would issue an order for negative tests to be reported as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ under state and local orders .
L.A. County officials have cracked down on nonessential businesses , which Sheriff Alex Villanueva declared Tuesday includes gun stores .
If gun sellers don ’ t close their doors , he said , they will be cited and face penalty , including the loss of their business licenses .
Officials previously closed beach parking lots , parks and hiking trials amid concerns some people were not staying at least six feet apart while in public .
Laguna Beach took the restrictions a step further and closed its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu called for the closure of Runyon Canyon Park and Lake Hollywood Park on weekends .
“ Making this request pains me greatly .
I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment off the 101 Freeway , and our city ’ s parks were my only access to outdoor space , ” Ryu said of his recommendation to Michael Shull , the general manager of the city ’ s Department of Recreation and Parks .
“ I don ’ t make this recommendation easily , but closing Runyon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen the highest volume of visitors , should follow to keep everyone safe.
” In Sonoma County , all parks and open spaces were closed indefinitely , public health officials announced this week .
The closure includes city , county , state and federal parklands and recreational lands operated by private groups and nonprofits , according to a news release .
“ Closing parks is a difficult decision , but it is the right decision at this time , ” Sundari Mase , the county ’ s interim health officer , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions in parks is not in our best interest during this health crisis .
The best action we can take is to stay close to home and limit our outdoor time to our yards and neighborhoods.
” Mase announced the closure Monday after too many visitors flocked to outdoor spaces over the weekend .
Criminal and civil trials were discontinued in California for at least two months after a sweeping order was issued late Monday by the state ’ s chief justice that aimed to sharply reduce public traffic in state courthouses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her order that court facilities were “ ill-equipped to effectively allow the social distancing and other public health requirements ” that had been imposed across California to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
“ Even if court facilities could allow for sufficient social distancing , the closure of schools means that many court employees , litigants , witnesses , and potential jurors can not leave their homes to attend court proceedings because they must stay home to supervise their children , ” Cantil-Sakauye said in the order .
The 60-day delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 58 counties on a uniform trial delay schedule — came the same day that the presiding judge of Los Angeles County Superior Court , Kevin C. Brazile , blocked public access to county courthouses except for attorneys , staff , defendants and “ authorized persons , ” a vague category that includes news reporters .
The clerk ’ s office will still be available to accept filings and assist people by phone or electronically .
The California National Guard on Monday provided details about how personnel would be deployed across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials said the guard was being used purely for humanitarian purposes , such as distributing food and medical supplies as well as helping at food banks and working with officials on the Grand Princess cruise ship , which docked in California after an outbreak of the virus on board .
With the coronavirus pandemic further stifling the efforts of California and other states to issue Real ID licenses , President Trump on Monday said he would extend the Oct. 1 deadline for people to apply for the identification cards to board domestic flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Priscella Vega , Paige St. John and Luke Money contributed to this report .

Taryn Luna, Rong-Gong Lin II, Colleen Shalby, Hannah Fry, Sarah Parvini

Mayor Eric Garcetti warned Los Angeles on Tuesday that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic was still to come and that residents should be prepared for more loss of life.
Garcetti said L.A. could be six to 12 days from seeing similar numbers to the outbreak in New York City, where the death toll has dramatically increased in recent days.
“It’s coming,” Garcetti said. “The peak is not here yet. The peak will be bad. People will lose their lives.”
Advertisement
The mayor also rebuffed President Trump’s earlier comments suggesting restrictions might be eased quickly and said that Angelenos should be “prepared for a couple months like this.”
“I know that everybody is hopeful, and some are putting out that hope of us being back in churches by Easter or synagogues by Passover, of restarting the economy in a couple weeks,” Garcetti said. “I think we owe it to everybody to be straightforward and honest that we will not be back to that [level of] normal in that short period of time.”
Garcetti’s warning came on the same day that Los Angeles County confirmed four more deaths linked to the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, including what might be the first fatality of a person younger than 18.
The number of deaths in the county from the virus is now 11. Tuesday’s update also included a previously reported death in Long Beach.
Hours after announcing the juvenile’s death Tuesday, county heath officials issued a clarification that the death “will require further evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
“Though early tests indicated a positive result for COVID-19, the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation for this fatality. Patient privacy prevents our offering further details at this time,” officials said.
Advertisement
The young victim, a teenager from Lancaster, died of septic shock, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris told The Times. The teen’s father contracted the virus, Parris said.
“The father had close contact on the job with the public daily,” the mayor said. “This is truly awful, to lose a child.”
In response, Parris said, he is asking that all children stay indoors, and is working to secure 100,000 test kits.
“They aren’t testing hardly anybody,” Parris said. “So we aren’t going to wait for the county. We are going to provide our own tests.”
Two of the people who died were between the ages of 50 and 70. One had underlying health issues and resided in the West Adams neighborhood, health officials said.
“This is a devastating reminder that COVID-19 affects people of all ages,” L.A. County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer said.
The Public Health Department said it was working to confirm whether the case marks the first such death of a minor linked to coronavirus in the country. Garcetti said he was informed by county officials that the Lancaster teen did not have any preexisting conditions.
Authorities also confirmed an additional 128 cases of coronavirus infection, bringing the county’s total to 662. Of those, 42% are people ages 18 to 40, and 39% are people 41 to 65.
At least 119 residents, or 18% of all positive cases in the county, have been hospitalized for the virus.
At his news conference Tuesday afternoon, Garcetti said that his office is still receiving daily reports of nonessential businesses that continue to operate as normal — behavior he called “irresponsible and selfish.”
He announced a Safer at Home business ambassadors initiative that aims to help push greater adherence from nonessential businesses to the city’s order to close. Businesses that ignore the order should also expect to get a warning call from prosecutors before the city takes more aggressive action, including turning off their water and power, the mayor said.
“The easiest way to avoid a visit from the city is to follow the rules,” Garcetti said.
The city has not cited any nonessential businesses so far, according to a spokesperson for the mayor’s office. The total number of complaints filed was not available.
There are 40 business ambassadors assigned to enforcement of the nonessential business order. Residents can report scofflaws here.
More cases confirmed throughout state
In Orange County, officials announced 27 new cases, bringing the total to 152. The county’s first death was reported Tuesday.
San Mateo County saw a jump of 19 new cases, pushing its total to 161, and its second fatality. The number of cases increased by more than 10% in one day, according to Preston Merchant, a public information officer working in the county’s joint information center.
The latest death was of a resident at the Atria Senior Living facility in Burlingame, which learned on March 15 that a number of residents had tested positive. Monday’s fatality was the first of a resident related to the coronavirus.
“Our thoughts are with their family during this difficult time,” Atria said in a statement. “We remain in close communication with all our residents and their families and continue to provide our support as we navigate this unprecedented situation together.”
Atria said it was working closely with the San Mateo County Health Department, and officials have been on site to confirm proper health and safety measures are in place.
The number of coronavirus cases in California surged to nearly 2,500 Tuesday afternoon and the death toll climbed to at least 51 as officials issued urgent warnings about the need for more hospital beds and equipment as medical facilities begin to fill up.
Gov. Gavin Newsom says he believes California will need 50,000 hospital beds for patients suffering from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. That marks a significant increase from the 20,000 beds his administration forecast last week. The Democratic governor said the state’s 416 hospitals were doubling their “surge plans,” a move that will result in 30,000 new beds across the system.
San Francisco officials warned that a surge in coronavirus infections was expected to come within a week or two, and voiced dismay over images of the public crowding beaches and parks across California.
“The worst is yet to come,” Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s director of public health, said at a news conference Monday.
San Francisco has already taken steps to decompress the healthcare system — banning almost all visitors to hospitals and long-term-care facilities, canceling elective surgeries and routine medical visits, ordering that appointments be done by phone or video if possible, and opening up tents to care for patients who have mild symptoms in order to keep hospital beds free for those more seriously ill.
A steep rise in people being hospitalized with COVID-19 in Los Angeles County probably signals the approach of a wave of extremely sick patients that could overwhelm hospitals in the coming weeks, experts say.
As of March 6, five people in the county had been hospitalized at some point with COVID-19. Two weeks later, on Friday, that figure had jumped to 48. By Monday, the total had climbed to 90.
Though the raw numbers remain relatively low, the rate of increase has set many doctors and nurses on edge after watching the disease’s alarming trajectory in China, Italy and, most recently, New York City.
In Long Beach, Mayor Robert Garcia tweeted Tuesday that the city is now up to 28 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
“If you have the ability to stay home, please do so,” Garcia wrote. “Wash your hands and social distance. We all need to work to flatten the curve.”
Art Marroquin, spokesman for the city’s joint information center, said Long Beach’s 28 cases include one of two Cal State Long Beach students who tested positive for the virus and were in self-isolation off campus. The student was included because they are a Long Beach resident.
One student had not been on campus for two weeks, the university said. In the second case, public health officials determined there was no opportunity for on-campus exposure. Students who might have come into close contact with the patients were being notified by health officials, according to the email.
More testing needed
As the number of cases continues to rise, officials throughout the state kept up their call for an increase in testing capacity and reporting.
Frustrated public health directors in six Bay Area counties have ordered an assortment of commercial, university and pop-up testing sites that are screening residents for COVID-19 to begin reporting not just the positive cases, but the negative results too.
Dr. Sara Cody said testing remains woefully inadequate as Santa Clara County wrestles with mounting deaths. As of Tuesday, 16 people had died in the county, more than half of the virus fatalities in California.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office confirmed four cases among its staff, including a deputy who is self-isolating at home.
California requires labs and hospitals to report known cases of COVID-19, but not the number of negative tests. Cody said that information is critical to tracking the spread of the virus. She warned that Santa Clara County’s current critical situation is a window into what will be seen in San Francisco and other Bay Area communities in the next one to two weeks.
Contra Costa County is one of the six counties that ordered new requirements. On Friday, health officer Chris Farnitano said the county would issue an order for negative tests to be reported as well.
Closures remain in place
Meanwhile, California remains largely shut down under state and local orders. L.A. County officials have cracked down on nonessential businesses, which Sheriff Alex Villanueva declared Tuesday includes gun stores. If gun sellers don’t close their doors, he said, they will be cited and face penalty, including the loss of their business licenses.
Officials previously closed beach parking lots, parks and hiking trials amid concerns some people were not staying at least six feet apart while in public. Laguna Beach took the restrictions a step further and closed its beaches entirely on Monday.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu called for the closure of Runyon Canyon Park and Lake Hollywood Park on weekends.
“Making this request pains me greatly. I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment off the 101 Freeway, and our city’s parks were my only access to outdoor space,” Ryu said of his recommendation to Michael Shull, the general manager of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks. “I don’t make this recommendation easily, but closing Runyon Canyon Park on weekends, when we have seen the highest volume of visitors, should follow to keep everyone safe.”
In Sonoma County, all parks and open spaces were closed indefinitely, public health officials announced this week.
The closure includes city, county, state and federal parklands and recreational lands operated by private groups and nonprofits, according to a news release.
“Closing parks is a difficult decision, but it is the right decision at this time,” Sundari Mase, the county’s interim health officer, said in a statement. “Allowing crowded conditions in parks is not in our best interest during this health crisis. The best action we can take is to stay close to home and limit our outdoor time to our yards and neighborhoods.”
Mase announced the closure Monday after too many visitors flocked to outdoor spaces over the weekend.
Criminal and civil trials were discontinued in California for at least two months after a sweeping order was issued late Monday by the state’s chief justice that aimed to sharply reduce public traffic in state courthouses.
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said in her order that court facilities were “ill-equipped to effectively allow the social distancing and other public health requirements” that had been imposed across California to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“Even if court facilities could allow for sufficient social distancing, the closure of schools means that many court employees, litigants, witnesses, and potential jurors cannot leave their homes to attend court proceedings because they must stay home to supervise their children,” Cantil-Sakauye said in the order.
The 60-day delay — which puts the courts in California’s 58 counties on a uniform trial delay schedule — came the same day that the presiding judge of Los Angeles County Superior Court, Kevin C. Brazile, blocked public access to county courthouses except for attorneys, staff, defendants and “authorized persons,” a vague category that includes news reporters. The clerk’s office will still be available to accept filings and assist people by phone or electronically.
The California National Guard on Monday provided details about how personnel would be deployed across the state to assist in coronavirus aid. Officials said the guard was being used purely for humanitarian purposes, such as distributing food and medical supplies as well as helping at food banks and working with officials on the Grand Princess cruise ship, which docked in California after an outbreak of the virus on board.
With the coronavirus pandemic further stifling the efforts of California and other states to issue Real ID licenses, President Trump on Monday said he would extend the Oct. 1 deadline for people to apply for the identification cards to board domestic flights in the United States.
Times staff writers Priscella Vega, Paige St. John and Luke Money contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-24--Hard-hit Silicon Valley leads California with 13 coronavirus deaths

Santa Clara County officials announced the deaths of three more people from the coronavirus on Monday , bringing the total number of deaths to 13 .
Silicon Valley has been particularly hard hit by the outbreak , with 321 total cases and more than 100 people hospitalized .
Despite the big number of confirmed cases , the county said the real totals are much higher .
“ Because of limited testing capacity , the number of confirmed cases almost certainly represents a small fraction of the total number of persons with COVID-19 in the county , ” officials said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been one of the most aggressive jurisdictions in trying to slow the spread by limiting mass gathering well before other counties .
Officials released some demographic information about those who died .
They said 38 % of the victims did not have preexisting health conditions .
Santa Clara County has experienced far more deaths than any other California county .
Here is a breakdown : Officials have been urging people to follow strict stay-at-home orders in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Several workers at San Jose Mineta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do some San Jose firefighters .
Last week , the San Jose police chief warned he would start enforcing the public health order to shut nonessential businesses soon .
His officers discovered 55 violations last week of business operating , including flower shops , gyms , a video game store , car wash and a billiards hall .
“ A billiards hall ?
Are you kidding me ?
” Chief Eddie Garcia said during a news conference .
“ Education is going to turn to enforcement very soon.
” Up the peninsula in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases is expected to come within a week or two , and voiced dismay over images of the public crowding at beaches and parks across California .
“ The worst is yet to come , ” San Francisco Director of Public Health Dr. Grant Colfax said at a news conference Monday .

Santa Clara County officials announced the deaths of three more people from the coronavirus on Monday, bringing the total number of deaths to 13.
Silicon Valley has been particularly hard hit by the outbreak, with 321 total cases and more than 100 people hospitalized.
Despite the big number of confirmed cases, the county said the real totals are much higher. “Because of limited testing capacity, the number of confirmed cases almost certainly represents a small fraction of the total number of persons with COVID-19 in the county,” officials said in a statement.
Advertisement
Santa Clara County has also been one of the most aggressive jurisdictions in trying to slow the spread by limiting mass gathering well before other counties.
Officials released some demographic information about those who died. They said 38% of the victims did not have preexisting health conditions.
Age breakdown of victims:
Age 40-50: 8%
Age 51-60: 15%
Age 61-70: 31%
Age 71-80: 15%
Age 81-90: 31%
Santa Clara County has experienced far more deaths than any other California county. Here is a breakdown:
Santa Clara: 13
Los Angeles: 8
Sacramento: 4
San Joaquin: 2
Alameda: 1
Contra Costa: 1
San Diego: 1
San Mateo: 1
San Francisco: 0
Orange: 0
Officials have been urging people to follow strict stay-at-home orders in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Several workers at San Jose Mineta International Airport have the coronavirus, as do some San Jose firefighters.
Last week, the San Jose police chief warned he would start enforcing the public health order to shut nonessential businesses soon. His officers discovered 55 violations last week of business operating, including flower shops, gyms, a video game store, car wash and a billiards hall.
“A billiards hall? Are you kidding me?” Chief Eddie Garcia said during a news conference. “Education is going to turn to enforcement very soon.”
Advertisement
Up the peninsula in San Francisco, officials on Monday warned that a surge in coronavirus cases is expected to come within a week or two, and voiced dismay over images of the public crowding at beaches and parks across California.
“The worst is yet to come,” San Francisco Director of Public Health Dr. Grant Colfax said at a news conference Monday.


latimes--2020-03-24--Here's the latest list of L.A. County communities with coronavirus cases

Los Angeles County officials confirmed Monday there were 128 new COVID-19 cases in the county and two more deaths from @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
That brings the total number of fatalities in the county to seven and @ @ @ @ @ 536 .
Of those , 90 are hospitalized .
The numbers are expected to rise @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials announced Monday a partnership with Seegene Technologies Inc. , a South Korea test @ @ @ @ @ and process 20,000 new tests kits for the coronavirus .
The first 20,000 tests will @ @ @ @ @ and medical professionals .
In Los Angeles , only 325 residents “ on the front @ @ @ @ @ workers , healthcare professionals and those working with the homeless — have been tested , @ @ @ @ @ Of those who have tested positive , 80 % are people ages 18 to 65 @ @ @ @ @ in the 18-40 age group .
Here is an age breakdown* : 0 to 17 @ @ @ @ @ -- 217 41 to 65 -- 198 Over 65 -- 92

Hikers wearing masks walk past the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park on Monday.
Los Angeles County officials confirmed Monday there were 128 new COVID-19 cases in the county and two more deaths from the disease caused by the coronavirus.
That brings the total number of fatalities in the county to seven and the total case count to 536. Of those, 90 are hospitalized.
The numbers are expected to rise as more people are tested.
Officials announced Monday a partnership with Seegene Technologies Inc., a South Korea test kit manufacturer, to buy and process 20,000 new tests kits for the coronavirus.
Advertisement
The first 20,000 tests will be directed toward first responders and medical professionals. In Los Angeles, only 325 residents “on the front lines” — critical city workers, healthcare professionals and those working with the homeless — have been tested, according to city officials.
Of those who have tested positive, 80% are people ages 18 to 65, and 42% are in the 18-40 age group.
Agoura Hills 1
Alhambra 4
Altadena 5
Arcadia 3
Athens 1
Baldwin Hills 3
Bellflower 3
Beverly Hills 12
Beverlywood 7
Boyle Heights 5
Brentwood 27
Burbank 2
Calabasas 3
Canoga Park 2
Carson 6
Castaic 1
Century City 4
Century Palms/Cove 1
Cerritos 2
Cloverdale/Cochran 1
Compton 1
Covina 1
Crestview 6
Culver City 5
Del Rey 2
Diamond Bar 2
Downtown 2
Duarte 1
Eagle Rock 2
East Hollywood 1
East Los Angeles 2
Echo Park 2
El Segundo 1
Encino 10
Exposition Park 1
Florence 1
Gardena 1
Glendale 9
Glendora 1
Granada Hills 5
Hancock Park 6
Hawthorne 3
Hollywood 14
Hollywood Hills 7
Hyde Park 1
Inglewood 3
Koreatown 3
La Cañada Flintridge 2
La Mirada 3
La Verne 2
Lake Balboa 2
Lakewood 1
Lancaster 7
Lawndale 2
Lincoln Heights 1
Lomita 8
Long Beach - 17
Los Feliz 2
Lynwood 2
Manhattan Beach 9
Mar Vista 6
Melrose 19
Miracle Mile 5
Monterey Park 3
North Hollywood 9
Northridge 1
Pacific Palisades 8
Palmdale 1
Palms 2
Paramount 2
Park La Brea 6
Pasadena 3
Playa Vista 3
Rancho Palos Verdes 1
Redondo Beach 5
Reseda 3
San Dimas 1
San Fernando 1
San Pedro 2
Santa Clarita 7
Santa Monica 12
Santa Monica Mountains 2
Sherman Oaks 8
Silver Lake 4
South El Monte 1
South Gate 1
South Park 1
South Pasadena 3
South Whittier 2
Stevenson Ranch 2
Studio City 7
Sun Valley 2
Sunland 1
Sylmar 1
Tarzana 8
Temple City 1
Torrance 4
Tujunga 1
University Park 1
Valley Glen 7
Van Nuys 4
Venice 7
Vermont Knolls 1
Vermont Vista 1
Vernon Central 1
Walnut 1
West Adams 1
West Covina 1
West Hills 4
West Hollywood 23
West Los Angeles 4
West Vernon 2
Westchester 3
Westlake 1
Westwood 6
Whittier 2
Wilmington 3
Wilshire Center 1
Winnetka 1
Woodland Hills 7
Under Investigation 61
Here is an age breakdown*:
0 to 17 -- 9
18 to 40 --217
41 to 65 --198
Over 65 --92
*Excludes Pasadena and Long Beach