Tornek, Kennedy Say They Have Been Complying With Self-Isolation Order Since Return From Trip

Mayor Terry Tornek and Councilman John Kennedy told Pasadena Now they have been doing all they can to self-quarantine since traveling abroad.

“I am trying to self-isolate as much at home as I can,” Tornek said Tuesday. Tornek did travel to the Rose Bowl loop after reports surfaced of crowds there. He did not leave his car.

Tornek attended a press conference last Thursday announcing the release of the city’s order closing non-essential businesses in Pasadena, but practiced social distancing while at that event.

Tornek and Councilman John Kennedy led a delegation to the city’s African sister city, Dakar-Plateau, Senegal on March 10. They returned to the U.S. last week.

The council is scheduled to meet again on Monday. Most likely several members will call into the meeting, and chairs will be spread out to accommodate for social distancing.

While they were gone, President Trump banned travel from Europe. Kennedy came home early and attended a special city council meeting on March 17.

Kennedy told Pasadena Now he has occasionally gone out for take-out food, but has complied with social distancing standards by constantly washing his hands and using a healthy amount of hand sanitizer and disinfectant when necessary.

“The time at home has allowed me to catch up on city business, housecleaning chores, and planning activities. I hope to get out soon for long solo walks.”

Last week, health officials in Pasadena, Long Beach and Los Angeles County released orders closing all non-essential orders as city officials across the state battle to control the spread of the virus.

“Irrespective of where we have traveled in recent days, all of must take seriously the magnitude of the Novel Coronavirus – COVID-19 Pandemic,” Kennedy said. “The city has issued a ‘Safer at Home Order’ and like all Pasadenans I have sought to responsibly comply with it.”

“To all of Pasadena, and particularly to the wonderful people in District 3, I encourage you to visit the D3 or city websites often to obtain important information and critical updates. Now is not the time for petty politics and jockeying for political points at the national-level or across the political landscape. We must be better than that! We are all in this together!”