City Council Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update | While Peak Expected to Hit Next Week, ‘Safer-at-Home’ Mandates Still Working

Growth of cases in Southern California is outpacing the growth of cases in the Bay Area

FILE PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | A room of limited capacity, a March 18 City Council meeting practices 'social distancing' by cordoning off the restricted seating

Message from the City Council:

This week may be the hardest. While Governor Newsom announced that the stay-at-home orders are working to slow the spread of the virus, he also pointed out there are tougher days ahead. Growth of cases in Southern California is outpacing the growth of cases in the Bay Area and the peak is predicted to hit next week. It is more critical than ever to stay at home for the next two weeks.

County health officials urged all residents to avoid going out, even to the grocery store, unless absolutely necessary for the next two weeks. LA County Public Health Director, Dr. Ferrera, said “Try to avoid going to places where we’re bound to come in contact with other people. The more we can stay apart from each other, the better off we’re all going to be.” Instead, stay at home and rely on delivery services whenever possible. Or support local restaurants still delivering food (visit southpasadena.net for a full listing of restaurants.) We must all behave as if we have the virus, because we might. Avoiding contact with others is the only way to ensure that it’s not being spread.

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That’s particularly hard this week because spring is here and it’s a week of celebration. Many of us are accustomed to gathering friends and family for a large meal, going to church, or spending time in the parks this time of year. With the churches closed and gatherings prohibited we encourage everyone to find alternative ways to celebrate. Los Angeles County has closed all parks for the weekend and, while South Pasadena has not taken that step, we will be monitoring the parks closely. It’s not just your life that’s at stake, it’s others as well, including our local police and fire personnel who are responding to sick patients every day.

Please check on seniors and those with underlying conditions to ensure they have what they need to stay in. If you or someone you know is a senior who needs daily lunches delivered to the home, please contact our senior center at 626-403-7360 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to

Friday. Seniors and others who are unable to go to the store may also sign up for grocery delivery through South Pasadena’s Grocery Delivery program at sp-volunteers.com or girlfridaysopas.com

If you must go out, please remember to follow the County’s guidelines and use a scarf or other fabric as a mask, maintain a 6-foot distance between others and wash your hands frequently.

Washing your hands is still one of the most important actions you can take to prevent the spread of the virus to you or others.

We know that these are trying and uncertain times for our community, but we can do this. South Pas is a small town where we take care of each other. Let’s prove that now more than ever.

City of South Pasadena City Council,

Mayor Robert S. Joe

Mayor Pro Tem Diana Mahmud

Councilmember Michael A. Cacciotti

Councilmember Marina Khubesrian, M.D.

Councilmember Richard Schneider, M.D.