March 19, 2020–Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s “Safer at Home” directive was issued to all L.A. residents on Thursday in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide instruction in a press conference later in the evening.
The “Safer at Home” guidelines, ordering individuals to remain in their residence and limit all nonessential movement, apply to everyone in the state of California and will be in place until further notice.
During this time, essential services such as pharmacies, gas stations, grocery stores, banks and laundromats will remain open.
“This is a moment where we need some straight talk, and we need to tell people the truth,” said Newsom, noting that people all across the U.S. are now being required to “adjust our thinking and our activities” as a result of the new guidelines that severely limit movement.
Referencing the recent Bay Area shelter-in-place order and the “Safer at Home” order from Thursday, the governor underlined, “At the end of the day, we’re one body.” Noting that the directive to all Californians goes into force and effect this evening, Newsom said, “We are confident that the people in the state of California will step up and meet this moment to protect themselves and their families.”
He went on to say, “There’s a social contract here. People will self-regulate their behavior, will adjust and adapt as they have been doing.” Newsom advised people to “go about the essential patterns of life.”
Closing the press conference, Newsom again encouraged everyone to “meet the moment.” He advised, “Let’s bend the curve together. Let’s not dream of regretting.” And finally, the governor emphasized, “This is not a permanent state. This is a moment in time, and we will meet this moment together.”
There are currently 1,001 confirmed coronavirus cases in California, resulting in 19 deaths. Since tests became more widely available this month, new cases have been confirmed every day.