We want to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this pandemic so that our hospitals are not overwhelmed by people who need treatment. Changing our daily routine is a difficult but necessary step in protecting our most vulnerable communities while also ensuring the overall health and well-being of our city.

Some people who contract COVID-19 have no symptoms, or have mild symptoms, and can transmit the disease without being aware that they carry the virus.

Thus, residents are to limit gatherings to 2 to 9 people and take steps to reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus, including:

• standing at least six feet apart.
• making hand-washing stations or hand-sanitizer available.
• covering one’s cough using one’s elbow or a tissue.
• not touching one’s face with unwashed hands.

Essential businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants (take-out or delivery), health services, pharmacies, banks and gas stations, and government services will remain open. Port operations, airport operations and critical transportation services will remain open, as will construction of residential and commercial buildings.

Non-essential businesses, most shops and retail businesses that are non-essential, playgrounds and enclosed shopping centers will close. The list of essential businesses is outlined in the emergency order.

This order is based on evidence of increasing occurrence of COVID-19 within Long Beach and throughout the area. As of today, there are 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Long Beach, 675 in California and 10,442 in the United States. This constitutes a pandemic according to the World Health Organization and has been declared a public health emergency in Long Beach.

People may engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, and to the health and safety of their family members and pets. Outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running, are allowed; however, people should continue to follow social distancing guidelines for their safety and the safety of others.

The Health Department continues to urge individuals to contact their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or a dry cough, and providers are compelled to report any suspected cases of COVID-19 to the Health Department immediately.

This action is put in place by the City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis, and in accordance with the Emergency Powers granted to the City Manager through the Proclamation of Local Emergency.

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The City encourages all residents to visit www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 for up-to-date facts on COVID-19 and to avoid misinformation. You can also follow updates, tips and notices on the City’s social media pages @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept and by following hashtag #COVID19LongBeach.