Whens the soonest Californias stay-at-home order could start? And what would be closed? – Long Beach Post

The state on Thursday announced that it is now tracking hospital capacity by region, and if any regions available intensive care unit beds fall below 15% of total capacity, it will be subject to a more drastic stay-at-home order.

For the Southern California region, which includes Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County and a dozen other nearby counties, it seems a matter of when, not if, that time comes.

The capacity in intensive care units across our region is already down to 20.6%, the state said Thursday.

Adding to the pressure, hospitalizations are rising quickly in Los Angeles County, by far the most populous part of the region. The county reported Thursday that 2,572 people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized, with 23% of these people in the ICU.

Long Beach, in a statement Thursday night, said the region could reach the 15% threshold as early as today, Friday.

Even if that happens, there would still be a little bit of breathing room before the strict new restrictions take effect. The stay-at-home order isnt officially in place until 12:59 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Plus, the state said it would give regions 24 hours to comply with the order.

That means the absolute soonest it could be implemented would be at 12:59 p.m. Sunday. Once in effect, the order would last at least three weeks.

If the order is triggered, all counties in Southern California would have to shutter dine-in service at restaurants, which has been a point of contention for local restaurants since LA County and Long Beach ordered theirs to close on Nov. 25.

Owners argued patrons could simply drive a short distance across the county line to eat. The states stay-at-home order takes that decision out of local authorities hands. Counties and cities with their own health departments will be allowed to enact stricter rules than the state, but they wouldnt be allowed to loosen them.

Discouraging people from simply migrating to nearby areas appears to be the impetus behind the states order. The Southern California region is massive, spanning from San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego and east to the Nevada border. The list of covered counties includes: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

In addition to limiting eateries to takeout only, all gatherings would be banned except for outdoor worship services or protests. And many businesses would have to close or further limit capacity.

All operations would have to cease at:

Critical infrastructure operations may continue, and retail stores and shopping centers could stay open indoors at 20% capacity, but they would have to meter entrances and monitor shoppers to make sure nobody is eating or drinking in stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems, the state said.

Hotels may remain open for critical infrastructure support, as could offices where remote work isnt possible.

Professional sports could continue without live audiences, as could production of films and other entertainment.

Child care and schools serving K-12 students would not be affected by the order. Those open for classroom instruction could remain open.

Outdoor recreational facilities would be allowed to stay openbut without any eating, drinking, alcohol sales or overnight camping.

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Whens the soonest Californias stay-at-home order could start? And what would be closed? - Long Beach Post