More Businesses Reopen | County Officials Warn: Continue to Observe Safety Measures

Los Angeles County Announces 19 New Deaths Related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Businesses continue to reopen, while residents are advised to remain wary and observe social distancing and other safety measures

As businesses gradually begin to open up in South Pasadena, health officials warn of an upward trajectory of cases of coronavirus in Los Angeles County.

Stores are beginning to open as COVID-19 tolls continue to grow in the county. In the path of the disease might be those venturing into zoos, museums, aquariums, campgrounds and hotels as the green light is given to locations looking to jumpstart their businesses.

As shutdown orders ease, the rate of coronavirus transmission has hit an all-time high for new cases. On Monday, LA County Public Health Department announced 1,071 new cases, bringing the total number of positive cases to 73,791 as of June 15. County officials said about 600 cases were reported last Thursday, on the biggest single-day jump to date as a result of a backlog of test results. The death toll is now 2,926. Nearly 60 percent of the deaths from the coronavirus in the state are in Los Angeles County.

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In a statement, Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health director, said: “Each day, we are thinking of the many people across LA County who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. You are in our prayers, and we hope you find healing during this difficult time.”

Last week, Christina Ghaly, director of Health Services for LA County, warned COVID-19 transmission could gradually increase in the days ahead as physical distancing requirements continue to ease.

Keeping safe distance of at least 6-feet of others and wearing masks in crowds in highly recommended, noted Ferrer. “Reopening businesses and public spaces safely requires everyone to continue to make physical distancing, wearing cloth face coverings and other infection control practices a part of day-to-day life,” she said. “We have shown that we can work together on slowing the spread of COVID-19, and we need to continue to do so through our recovery journey to prevent huge increases in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.”

Businesses that opened Friday, June 12 include:

  • Day camps
  • Museums and galleries
  • Zoos and aquariums
  • Pro league arenas without live spectators
  • Music, film and TV productions
  • Campgrounds and RV parks
  • Outdoor recreation, including swimming pools
  • Gyms and fitness facilities
  • Hotels for leisure travel

Health officials maintain the best protection against coronavirus continues to be to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your household.