Governor suggests bars close, seniors selfisolate,
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, Gov. Gavin Newsom added new suggestions to increase public safety, including asking those 65 years and older to self-isolate at home, during a news conference Sunday.
Though not mandatory, Newsom also asked for the closure of bars, wine bars, breweries and pubs, while asking restaurants to enforce “deep social distancing” by reducing their occupancy by half.
Los Angeles County officials followed up those suggestions with a directive, ordering the closure of all bars, theaters, gyms and entertainment centers during a Monday press conference, with the city of Santa Clarita following suit.
These dramatic restrictions, Newsom said, are meant to slow the rate of infection.
“If you want to establish a framework of martial law, we have the capacity to do that, but we are not at this moment feeling that is a necessity,” Newsom said.
In addition, the governor announced that visitors will be prohibited at nursing homes and hospitals for the high-risk population, except in end-of-life circumstances.
The number of coronavirus cases in California reached 369 over the weekend, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed 25 new cases in the county, bringing the total to 94 patients, while Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital has reported no additional cases in Santa Clarita, keeping the total number at three, as of 4:30 p.m. Monday.