Pasadena Health Officials Confirm Two More Local Deaths

City officials reported two more deaths of the Coronavirus and 19 new cases on Wednesday.

The deaths and cases came from within the city’s long term health care facilities.

The announcement came about 24 hours before the City Council planned to meet to discuss allowing some low-risk businesses to open, including bookstores, clothing stores and music stores.

Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to release state guidelines on the openings on Thursday.

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said on Monday that county stores also could reopen on Friday.

Pasadena’s plans will most likely be in concert with similar plans made in Long Beach and the city of Los Angeles.

In correspondence to the Pasadena City Council, Chamber of Commerce President Paul Little the first step is for Pasadena’s Public Health Department to determine it is safe to do so, even on a limited basis.

“Like restaurants, I think most retailers could be able and willing to do curbside pick-up of goods,” Little said. “I expect they would welcome guidelines for safety, cleanliness and protective equipment that might be necessary. That would come from the Public Health Department and should be clearly written and provided to all retailers at no cost.”

A member of the Pasadena Health Department told Pasadena Now on Monday that the department would be part of the process.

“The virus continues to be present in our community but we understand the need to evaluate restrictions,” said Manuel Carmona. “In the days to come, the Health Department will help the city assess activities for their level of risk and begin considering easing restrictions for the lowest risk activities. The Health Department will be on the ready, closely monitoring data in the event we start to see cases rise again.”

Monday’s meeting will take place after the Economic Development Technology Committee meets. The EDTECH will be the first one since February.