City Issues New COVID-19 Measures

In concert with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh has issued a new proclamation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this Order is to prohibit public and private events or gatherings of 10 or more people, and require the closure of malls, shopping centers, children’s playgrounds, and non-essential retail businesses in an effort to stem or slow the spread of COVID-19 within the Pasadena community.

For all gatherings that are not prohibited, the health officer orders those persons attending an event or gathering and the venues holding the event or gathering implement the following infection control precautions:

(1) Practice social distancing within the confined space by requiring attendees to be separated by six (6) feet;
(2) Provide access to hand-washing facilities with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol;
(3) Post a sign in a conspicuous place at the public entry to the venue instructing members of the public to not attend if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, including fever or cough; and
(4) Adhere to communicable disease control recommendations provided by the Pasadena Public Health Department.

As a point of clarity, this Order does not prohibit any individual or family from outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, and shopping at essential businesses—including grocery stores and restaurants—so long as all persons practice social distancing to the extent practicable.

Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the need to protect everyone, including the most vulnerable members of our community, this Order prohibits all indoor public and private gatherings and all outdoor public and private events within a confined space, where at least 10 people are expected to be in attendance at the same time. This Order applies within the City of Pasadena Public Health Jurisdiction, beginning at 11:59 p.m. on March 19 and continuing through April 19, 2020, subject to the terms and conditions more particularly set forth below.

The Pasadena Public Health Department will continue to monitor the rate of COVID-19 disease spread, state and CDC recommendations, and the impact of the required measures, and the health officer may revisit, extend, expand, or otherwise modify this Order as needed to protect the public’s health.

“The health and safety of our community remains our top concern,” said City Manager Steve Mermell. “Given the rapid spread of COVID-19, having people stay at home and avoid non-essential activities is the most effective way to prevent more infections. This order is necessary if we’re going to save lives and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed with new cases.”

Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and Safety Code § 120295; Los Angeles County Code § 11.02.080.)