LA County Fadeaway: 3 Week Lockdown Coming Monday

LA County will be shutting down “gatherings…except religious services and protests” starting Monday for three weeks to try and curb rising Covid cases in America’s most populous county.

As the number of new coronavirus cases continued to rise in Los Angeles County, health officials Friday issued a temporary and limited stay-at-home order that will take effect Monday.

The restrictions, which will last for three weeks, are not as severe as those imposed this spring.

“Residents are advised to stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when they are outside their household and around others,” the county public health department said.

The order prohibits all public and private gatherings with individuals not in the same household, except for religious services and protests.

It imposes new occupancy limits on businesses, such as personal care and retail, but does not close them. Beaches, trails and parks will remain open, but gatherings at those sites with non-household members are banned

The new rules come just two days after restaurants in much of L.A. County were ordered to suspend outdoor dining. The decision sparked a backlash from restaurant owners and some elected officials, who called the rules too punishing for the already struggling industry.

Officials had warned new restrictions were coming.

The five-day average of new cases hit 4,751 Friday, crossing the threshold the county had set for imposition of a modified-stay-at-home order.