Santa Monica Extends State Of Emergency To August 31

SANTA MONICA, CA — A state of emergency was extended in Santa Monica through August 31, officials announced Tuesday.

"Santa Monica extends its local emergency as key metrics continue to show community spread of COVID-19," the city announced in a news release.

On Monday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced 2,039 new cases of COVID-19. Santa Monica has recorded 605 total COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

“LA County’s 8.4% positivity rate demonstrates the seriousness of where we are in the pandemic and that we have to continue proven public health measures like wearing face coverings and not gathering,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg. “We extend strength for recovery to every Santa Monican who has contracted the virus and our deepest condolences to the families in our community who have lost loved ones. As a community, we join together in navigating these difficult and uncertain times.”

In the nineteenth supplement issued on June 29, several specified exceptions were placed and will now remain in effect for locals and businesses:

• Parking citations associated with monthly street sweeping resumed July 1, 2020.
• Please move your car for street sweeping next week, August 3-7.
• Santa Monica's plastic bag ban resumed on July 1 and customers can resume bringing reusable bags when making essential trips.
• Towing for violations of the California Vehicle Code relating to abandoned vehicles resumed as of July 1.
• The expiration of Santa Monica Fire Department's annual permits of operation was not further extended, and they expired as of July 1.
• Late payment penalties for unpaid or delinquent Transient Occupancy Taxes, Utility Users Taxes, and Parking Facility Taxes resumed as of July 1, 2020.

In Santa Monica, physical distancing and a face covering or mask are still required in public to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"Please comply with physical distancing and face covering requirements posted by businesses and recreational facilities," officials said.

People can be fined $100 for not wearing a face covering.

"Frequent hand washing, not gathering in groups or crowds, and staying home if you are sick are vital measures to continue to flatten the COVID-19 curve and protect our healthcare system from a further surge of critical patients," officials said.

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