The city of Santa Monica ordered several types of businesses to close or adjust their operations Monday morning to slow the spread of coronavirus.
For two weeks, restaurants will only be allowed to offer takeout and delivery. Bars, theaters, bowling alleys, arcades, gyms, fitness centers, spas, hair salons, massage parlors and nail salons will close for two weeks under the emergency order signed by City Manager Rick Cole. The order will go into effect at noon Monday and last through Mar. 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Restaurants offering takeout are directed to enforce social distancing for patrons in the queue for pick-up. Bars that offer food will be able to remain open for the purposes of delivery and takeout. Drive-through restaurants are also allowed to stay open.
Cafeterias located within hospitals and nursing homes or similar facilities are exempt from the order, as are grocery stores, pharmacies and food banks.
City spokesperson Constance Farrell said the order will be enforced administratively by Code Enforcement.
"We're asking for 100% compliance to protect public health," she said.
The order comes a day after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti directed restaurants to halt-dine in services and bars, gyms and movie theaters to shut their doors.
“This virus knows no boundaries. Cities working together is the way to have the most impact and the least confusion," Cole said. “Stay calm, stay informed, and stay healthy! We will work together to get through this.”
Santa Monica declared a local emergency Friday night. By Sunday, the number of confirmed coronaviruses cases in Los Angeles County reached 69.
The order follows a Sunday directive from Gov. Gavin Newsom to close bars and cut restaurant capacity by half. Newsom also ordered people older than 65 or with chronic health conditions to self-isolate at home.
On Saturday, Santa Monica put a temporary moratorium on evictions, utilities shutoffs and late fines for parking tickets for workers financially impacted by coronavirus. All public buildings and schools are closed this week.
madeleine@smdp.com
