California was the first state to implement coronavirus lock-down measures. The approach was seemingly so successful at “flattening the curve” and not overwhelming hospital capacity, Gov. Gavin Newsom seemed to be riding his success to future political opportunities.
However, the Golden State is dealing with a significant surge, and ICU capacities in several areas are at 0%, despite the nearly year-long masking and social distancing rules that have been in place. The new, more restrictive pandemic control measure currently implemented will likely be extended well into the New Year.
The stay-at-home order in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California would have been eligible to expire as early as Monday, but with ICU capacity at 0% in both regions, the restrictions are set to be extended. Newsom said Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly would likely make the announcement on Tuesday.The Greater Sacramento area could see restrictions ease as early as Friday and the Bay Area could exit the order as of Jan. 8 if ICU capacity rebounds. Those two regions could also see their stay-at-home orders extended if intensive care capacity remains critical.
Los Angeles County is reporting 14,000 COVID-19 cases daily. County public health officials have announced a 10-day quarantine for anyone coming into the area.
The Los Angeles County Public Health Department reported that the new guideline applies to anyone who travels outside the county.Officials did not limit the requirement to a specific mode of travel.“Because of the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 while traveling outside of L.A County, for everyone that traveled or are planning to travel back into L.A. County, you must quarantine for 10 days,” the department said in a news release.
Meanwhile, businesses that have been forced to remain closed or reduce operations to meet the rules are chafing under the restrictions that did not work as promised. And while many law enforcement agencies in the state will not crack-down on those businesses ignoring lock-down orders, California agencies are stepping in to conduct raids.
Without warning Wednesday, uniformed officers with the California Department of Consumer Affairs entered the Pomp Salon in North Stockton’s upscale Lincoln Center.”About five armed state police officers burst into our salon shouting drop everything you’re doing. Stop, you’re being shut down,” said Vicki Kirk, salon co-owner.Kirk said the officers spent an hour inside questioning why the seven-year-old salon with forty stylists was open in the midst of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.On cell phone video recorded by Kirk, defiant stylists challenged police officers with their own questions.”It was one of the worst days of my life to have that scene happen in our salon when we are only trying to work,” said Kirk….Pomp Salon remained open once the officers left.”Why does a hair salon have to close, but Target can stay open and Walmart can stay open? Where’s the connection? And, what’s the specific infection rate you’re attributing to these salons?” said Dino Ballin, Kirk’s husband and salon co-owner.
And if the state agencies don’t get you, the Woke Media will.
A restaurant in Beverly Hills is facing criticism for trying to plan a “discreet” New Year’s Eve dinner violating California’s coronavirus restrictions….A journalist in the Los Angeles area tweeted an image of the invitation, which allegedly were inserted into to-go bags from La Scala. The dinner was supposed to have a 1920s prohibition/speakeasy theme.“We are considering taking reservations for New Year’s Eve Dinner. Inside,” the invitation reads, asking the recipient to let La Scala know if they are interested in participating. “If enough interest we’ll contact you back to secure a reservation (sic). Please keep this discreet, but tell all your friends.”The City of Beverly Hills contacted the restaurant and reminded management of the current dining restrictions, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The good news is that Americans still get to vote with their feet, California has recorded its lowest growth rate in history.
For the second straight year, more people left California than moved to the state, resulting in a net migration loss of 135,600 people. People left the state in similar numbers as they did last year. but far fewer people moved to California, especially from April to June, when the state was under a stay-at-home order because of the pandemic.
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