Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti began his remarks tonight with a succinct description of how monumental recent days have been:
"Good evening, Los Angeles. It's been a long week, hasn't it been? This was the week that changed everything."
His remarks came at the end of the first day of his "Safer at Home" order. Garcetti used his daily coronavirus update to praise Angelenos who've stepped up to help others during the coronavirus crisis.
He also urged everyone in the city — young and old — to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But he says you can still leave your home to do what has to be done.
"You can keep filling up your gas tank. You can keep picking up your medications. There is plenty of food — a great time to cook. There's no need to over buy for you or for your family because grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores will remain open. And you can still order food from restaurants for takeout, delivery or drive-through."
Garcetti also reminded those who are feeling sick to call their doctor first – and wait for medical advice before heading off to a doctor's office, an urgent care center or an ER. The mayor also announced the city plans to launch a new website to help people who've lost jobs during the coronavirus crisis to find new work.
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.
We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
