Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Garcetti: Stay-Home Order Has No End Date, But More Openings And Relief Coming
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti clarified tonight that the city's stay-at-home order has no fixed end date but that restrictions will continue to be lifted gradually in the coming weeks and months.
He also announced expanded child care for emergency frontline workers and new programs to make it easier for people to get out and about while maintaining safe physical distancing. You can watch the full address above.
IS WE IS OR IS WE AIN'T SHUT DOWN?
Support for LAist comes from
The current order had been set to expire on May 15 and earlier communication from the county and city suggested that it was being extended through July. In fact, the order is now in place until further notice.
But in what some might interpret as "let's have our cake and eat it too" messaging, Garcetti said he did not expect the shutdown to last until July.
"So no, we won't be shut down for three more months. That's not what I heard. That's not what I expect. It's not what I hope," he said.
(This came hours after L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer apologized for comments made Tuesday that she conceded had been “confusing.”)
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Support for LAist comes from
Instead, the city will continue to gradually lift the restrictions in place under its "Safer L.A." order. Already today, it was announced that retail businesses that qualify can reopen for curbside pickup and delivery. And Garcetti boasted about the now-open beaches "that fill our souls, that remind us of what's so beautiful here in Los Angeles, and give us hope." Just remember: no sunbathing — stay active and keep moving by swimming, running, or generally moving about.
Tomorrow, Garcetti said, you will also be able to visit tennis and pickleball courts (yes, we had to look it up too), archery ranges, equestrian centers, model airplane areas and community gardens.
But, of course, you should now have your mask with you at all times whenever you leave your home, Garcetti said, and it is still "safer at home." You can walk around without your mask, and exercise, and take some fresh air, but only if you don't come close to or pass anyone on the street who's not part of your household. When that happens, cover your face. The mandate extends to everyone but children or those with a health condition that could make it difficult or harmful for them to wear a mask.
All of this depends on the public health indicators continuing to improve. If deaths start to jump up again, all bets may be off.
"This is really tough work, and I want to remind you this is about saving the lives of people we know. It pisses me off when I hear people saying, 'Oh those are just old people,' because you know that so many of the people that are dying are our parents and our grandparents and our neighbors."
CICLAVIA EVERY DAY?
Support for LAist comes from
With all those pedestrians now being encouraged to get active outdoors, another of the mayor's announcements could help.
Garcetti said the city and neighborhood councils have a plan in the works to close streets to vehicular traffic, giving pedestrians more space to roam without bumping into each other.
As soon as tomorrow, the city could share an online form where people can nominate streets for pedestrian-only access, so stay tuned.
CHILD CARE FOR EMERGENCY WORKERS
Low-wage hospital support staff such as janitors had already been included in free child care services from the city and county. Tonight, Garcetti said he was extending those services to emergency workers, too.
The county has 18 rec centers offering child care services, including supervision, academic assistance and recreational activities for children 6-14 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
For more info, visit coronavirus.lacity.org/childcare.
Support for LAist comes from
BREAKING NEWS: GARCETTI GOT A HAIRCUT
Our reporter Emily Guerin asked the tough question, to which the mayor replied:
"I did get a haircut. It was from my wife. And I ordered on Amazon some electric shears. I've only had one cut. As I joked a few weeks ago, I'm told it's not that straight in the back, but I think she did a pretty good job on the sides and the front."
The mayor said his advice was to avoid these services until we get through Phase 2.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist