Pasadena Implements New Safeguards, Restrictions to Curb COVID-19 Spread, Starting Friday

Because of the dramatically increasing numbers of local COVID-19 infections, the City of Pasadena is reminding the community about existing health orders in place to protect ourselves and others around us from infection.

To further mitigate the spread of the virus, the City is instituting new pandemic safeguards and restrictions, effective Friday, Nov. 20.

Reminders regarding some of the rules already in place include:

• Retail store occupancy may not exceed 25% of maximum capacity (as defined by the Fire Code). This capacity limit was previously established by the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy for local health jurisdictions in counties in Purple Tier 1.

• Limitations on gatherings are still in place: people are permitted to gather with no more than 2 other households, for 2 hours or less, with all attendees wearing face coverings and maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet or more between households.

• Sports competitions, such as softball and soccer games, are still not permitted.

• Non-essential offices must remain closed for in-person operations and only conduct work remotely, as previously established by the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

The new restrictions are as follows:

• Personal care services that require either the customer or the staff to remove their face covering, such as facials and shaves, are not permitted. All public health protocols must continue to be followed for other personal care services, including a requirement for services to be offered by appointment only, and as many services as possible provided outdoors.

• Personal care services are now limited to 25% maximum capacity (as defined by the Fire Code).

• Gatherings must meet the limitations stated above (outdoor, 2 hours or less, with face coverings worn and physical distancing between households) and may not exceed a total of 15 people from 3 or fewer households.

• Restaurants, breweries and bars must cease service in their on-site, outdoor dining areas as of 10 p.m. and close their on-site dining areas thereafter until 5 a.m.

An updated Health Officer Order will be issued to reflect the above new restrictions.

“We are seeing some of the highest daily case numbers since the beginning of the pandemic. Immediate action by each of us will help slow the spread of the virus, as we were able to do before. Even in the face of pandemic fatigue, we can protect each other from COVID-19 infection, prevent additional illness and death, and help keep our healthcare delivery system from becoming overwhelmed. We need everyone to adhere to public health guidance so we can stop this new surge,” says Pasadena Public Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh.

“Good judgement in making personal decisions is critical, and I’m asking our community to stay home if you can, wear a mask whenever you leave home, avoid mixing with people you don’t live with, practice physical distancing and wash hands frequently. Rethink your travel plans and cancel out of state or out of country travel. The state travel advisory strongly recommends that persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival.”

Residents with questions can call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311.