LOS ANGELES (NewsNation Now) — With the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to reach new highs this week, L.A. County is holding firm on restrictions that go beyond state recommendations.
In addition, anyone flying into LA as of tomorrow will be instructed to quarantine.
With Thanksgiving travel well underway, those on the move are masked and aware.
“It’s what we have to go through, we’re all in this together. We’re gonna get through this together,” said Joseph Bastos, air traveler.
Starting Wednesday, anyone arriving in L.A. from out-of-state will be required to fill out a traveler form, acknowledging the recommendation to self quarantine for 14 days. Failure to submit the form could mean a fine of up to $500.
Today, L.A. County moved forward with a shutdown of all outdoor dining after Wednesday night.
However, Pasadena will allow its restaurants to stay open.
The city has its own health department which can issue orders independent of the county.
California Health & Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly is discouraging all gatherings, whether they are public or private.
“Anytime you get together with individuals where your guard comes down, your mask comes off, you are closer than a few feet apart, there’s a risk of transmission because of asymptotic spread and the reality that most people who have COVID may not know it,” said Dr. Ghaly.
Under the state’s modified stay-at-home order, more than 37 million Californians are expected to be at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. local time.
But there’s skepticism over the guidance against gathering.
“I don’t think it sounds realistic because people are going to be lonely. No one wants to be alone on Thanksgiving,” said Sarah Knapp, Sacramento resident.
Health officials say many current hospitalizations are linked to Halloween gatherings. Some predict the weeks after Thanksgiving will be far worse.
“The difference is that Thanksgiving is a multi-generational event,” said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Public Health. “And so it’s not just going to be younger people. We’re going to see people of all ages, which means the risk for death will be much higher.”
Los Angeles County reported 51 COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday the highest number since early September.