Coronavirus: Santa Monica Temporarily Closes Businesses To Public

SANTA MONICA, CA — The City of Santa Monica issued a supplement to the local emergency proclamation effective at noon Monday that requires two week closure of bars and nightclubs that don't serve food, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys and arcades and all businesses providing physical health and beauty services in an effort to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

The exceptions to this new supplement include bars, nightclubs, restaurants and retail food facilities, that will be allowed to remain open to offer food to customers via delivery, drive-thru or pick-up orders.

Cafeterias, commissaries, and restaurants located within hospitals, nursing homes, or similar facilities; grocery stores; pharmacies; and food banks are also exceptions.

Trucks and other vehicles that deliver grocery items to grocery stores, when such items are to be made available for sale to the public, are exempt from having to comply with any City rules and regulations that limit the hours for such deliveries, including, without limitation, Section 9.28.080 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.

"This virus knows no boundaries. Cities working together is the way to have the most impact and the least confusion," City Manager Rick Cole said. "Stay calm, stay informed, and stay healthy! We will work together to get through this."

The City of Santa Monica issued an executive order Sunday night to temporarily close the Santa Monica Pier to the public as part of its local emergency proclamation in response to the new coronavirus. The closure went into effect 6 a.m. Monday, and includes the pier, parking deck and pier businesses.

The closure follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calling for events and gatherings, whether planned or spontaneous, that include 50 or more people to be canceled to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

"We welcome thousands of guests to our Pier each and every day, so we take this step out of the deepest desire to keep people at home and healthy," City Manager Rick Cole said. "We love our Pier and the joy it brings to everyone that visits, but in this moment, we must take aggressive actions to slow the spread of COVID-19."

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The City team is closely monitoring CDC, State, and Los Angeles County Public Health Department guidance to determine when and/or how the Pier can be reopened to the public.

Executive Director Negin Singh said the Santa Monica Pier Corporation is in full support of the temporary closure of the Santa Monica Pier amid this "health crisis."

"Though this will heavily impact the Pier businesses, in this historic moment it is the right thing to do," Singh said. "We know that once we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, our Pier will play an important role in serving the public with our great food, attractions, performers and free, world-class events. We all look forward to welcoming you back."

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For more information, visit the City of Santa Monica website.

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