Orange County Bans Public and Private Gathers

Laguna Beach, CA — On Tuesday, March 17, the Orange County Public Health Care Agency announced an Emergency Public Health Order banning all public and private gatherings in Orange County effective immediately through March 31.  The Emergency Health Order is being issued to slow the spread of coronavirus. On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom asked all persons age 65 and over or with chronic health conditions to self-isolate at home.

• All Public and Private Gatherings Prohibited: Any number of people, whether professional, social, or community gatherings, regardless of their sponsor that are not engaged in “Essential Activities” are prohibited from gathering.  Members of a household may still gather in their home. The entire Health Order and a full list of “Essential Activities” can be found by clicking here.

• Grocery Stores to Remain Open: Food is essential for the public, and grocery stores will continue to remain open. We encourage you to be a kind, respectful shopper and shop only for what you need, so everyone in our community can provide for their families.

• Bars, Restaurants to Close to Public Dining: As part of the order, all bars that do not serve food are closed to the public effective immediately.  Bars that serve food and all restaurants are closed to on-site public dining but may still offer take-out and food delivery. 

“Public safety is of the utmost importance to the City of Laguna Beach and we appreciate the cooperation of the City’s restaurants and bars to comply with the Orange County Health Care Agency Order as we face this unprecedented public health crisis together,” said Laguna Beach City manager John Pietig. 

On Sunday, March 15, the City of Laguna declared a Local Emergency. This proclamation allows the City to promptly take the actions necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare within the City and also allows for future reimbursement by the county, state and federal governments.  The emergency declaration must be ratified by the City Council within seven days.

As a precaution to reduce community spread of Coronavirus, the City has implemented temporary changes to City operations effective immediately. City Hall and all City facilities are closed to the public through March 27; however, City operations will continue to operate with available staff.  

• For questions about City services, please call (949) 497-3311 during regular business hours.  

The City is following guidance from the Federal, State and County authorities.  The situation is fluid and information provided in this statement is subject to change.  We encourage everyone to get their information from official sources, including the resources listed below. 

Additional Resources

• The City is constantly communicating with our community partners, and also regularly updating additional information on COVID-19 on our website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/coronavirus 

• Find the complete updated list of changes to operations and community cancellations at www.lagunabeachcity.net/coronavirusclosures If you are a non-profit community partner with a cancellation, please email it to webteam@lagunabeachcity.net

• The Orange County Public Health Care Agency COVID-19 Health Referral Hotline: 1 (800) 564-8448.

• Orange County Health Care Agency information webpage
• California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Information webpage
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Information webpage