Los Angeles’ four million residents put under strict stay at home order as Covid surges

‘Our city is now close to a devastating tipping point,’ mayor says

The mayor of Los Angeles has ordered its four million residents to remain in their homes as part of a stringent stay at home order to control a surge of coronavirus infections in the city.

The public order, published on 2 December says “more Angelenos are infected with Covid-19 than ever before” and warns that the area is “close to a devastating tipping point.”

Mayor Eric Garcetti urged residents to remain in their homes, prohibiting all public and private gatherings from more than one household and asking residents to minimise contact with others.  

“Our city is now close to a devastating tipping point, beyond which the number of hospitalised patients would start to overwhelm our hospital system, in turn risking needless suffering and death,” the mayor said.

All businesses within the city that require in-person attendance by workers have been ordered to close, apart from a number of essential exemptions including healthcare operators, gyms, outdoor religious services, grocery stores, and personal care establishments.

Retail stores are allowed to continue operations if their premises are coronavirus secure in line with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Protocols. All travel, both public and private, is also prohibited, subject to the same exemptions.

The new constraints mark the most restrictive measures in the city against the virus since spring and mirrors rules in LA county that took effect on Monday.

The move comes as the number of Californians hospitalised with the coronavirus surged to record highs for four days in a row on Wednesday, The Los Angeles Times reported.

“My message couldn’t be simpler: It’s time to hunker down. It’s time to cancel everything. And if it isn’t essential, don’t do it,” Mr Garcetti said on Wednesday.

“Don’t meet up with others outside your household. Don’t host a gathering, don’t attend a gathering and follow our targeted safer-at-home order, if you’re able to stay home, stay at home. Just be smart and stay apart.”

Los Angeles county reported 5,987 new cases of the virus on Wednesday, down from the record high of 7,593 the previous day.

More than 14 million people have been infected with the virus since the outbreak gripped the country in March, leading to the deaths of over 247,000 Americans.

The order states that any failure to comply may be treated as a misdemeanor offense, subject to fines or imprisonment.