Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave for the last year, you probably know by now the seriousness of the situation we’re in with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of deaths and infections in the United States – not to mention the lost jobs and businesses – were already tragic and then the recent surge in cases this winter has made a bad situation much worse.
As a result of the surge, many cities in California and in other states are adhering to stay-at-home orders, which are meant to reduce the number of people out and about potentially spreading the virus.
The city officials and citizens of Laguna Beach take public health seriously, so it’s worth discussing the limited stay-at-home order and how it will affect daily living, recreation, tourism, and more.
Before we delve into the mandate, let’s go over a few brief medical issues. Remember that while you may want to decline any in-person doctor’s appointments (unless you have a medical emergency), there are many clinics that are offering virtual appointments.
Additionally, you can order FDA-authorized Covid-19 home kits, which will tell you if you have the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. You can also order home tests to check your thyroid levels, which affect many critical functions in the body.
Now as for the limited stay-at-home order…..
Effective December 7th through December 27th, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will require that non-essential work, movements, and gatherings are suspended between 10:00pm and 5:00am in purple-tier counties (those with the highest rates of cases and hospitalizations).
Who will this affect?
Restaurants – Cannot serve people in-house but can remain open for take-out and delivery.
Hotels – While travel is discouraged, quarantines are not required if you enter California. However, non-essential out of state stays are prohibited and hotels must observe Covid-19 containment measures.
Places of worship and fitness facilities – Can congregate outdoors if certain guidelines are observed.
Shopping centers and retail – Access must be metered, capacity limited to 20%, and no eating or drinking.
Grocery stores – Limited to 35% capacity.
The following business are closed:
Hair salons and barbershops; personal care services; movie theaters; family entertainment centers; wineries; museums, zoos, and aquariums; concerts; festivals’ bars and tasting rooms; nightclubs; amusement parks.
What you CAN do:
With all the talk about restrictions, closings, and activities we can’t visit or take part in, let’s take a minute to remind ourselves that there are plenty of things you can do, especially in a city as beautiful and temperate as Laguna Beach.
Bike riding and walking – There are hundreds of beautiful streets, trails, and beachside paths you can bike or walk down. While it’s recommended that you wear a mask when possible – and socially distance from other bikers and pedestrians – biking and walking are still very much alive in sunny Laguna Beach. South Laguna, in particular, has some amazing hikes and trails, many of which aren’t super crowded.
Outdoor photography and bird watching – Laguna Beach has some of the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, ocean views, and bird watching spots in all of Southern California.
Check out the Laguna Beach murals and public art pieces – Laguna Beach is home to 19 incredible murals throughout the city. There are also a constellation of city art pieces to check out.
This is a tough time we’re all going through and for some people, it’s a nightmare. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be as calm, empathetic, and understanding as possible.
If you live in Southern California or elsewhere and are looking for amazing sunny getaway from the winter weather, you can visit Laguna Beach so long as you observe the guidelines and respect the limited stay-at-home order. You may find that you love this city so much that you plan to return as soon as possible.
