LOS ANGELES - All residents within the city of Los Angeles were ordered to remain in their homes effective immediately, according to an emergency order issued Wednesday evening.

The previous “safer-at-home” order was withdrawn and superseded by the new one published Wednesday, which is “necessary for the protection of life and property in the City of Los Angeles,” the order states. It largely mirrors the existing LA. County protocols that went into effect Monday.

Many residents were notified with an email and text alert from the city’s NotifyLA System Wednesday night.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti held a briefing just two hours earlier but did not mention the new rules, KTLA reported.

Non-exempt businesses in the city were ordered to cease operations that require in-person attendance of staff. However, there is a broad list of exceptions for various businesses and workers deemed essential or exempt.

People may lawfully leave their residences only to engage in defined essential activities.

All travel, including on foot, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit is prohibited.
Those experiencing homelessness are exempt from the requirement to stay inside.

Mirroring the county’s order, all public and private gatherings with people from more than one household are prohibited, except for outdoor faith-based services and protests.

Failure to comply with the new health order will constitute a misdemeanor subject to fines and imprisonment, according to the document. The mayor urged the Los Angeles Police Department and the city attorney to “vigorously enforce this.”

“My message couldn’t be simpler,” Garcetti said in his earlier briefing. “It’s time to hunker down. It’s time to cancel everything. And if it isn’t essential, don’t do it.”

Story Date: December 5, 2020