Update

April 4

Changes in Store Hours, Policies
There are stores that are still open and deemed essential businesses but, due to COVID-19 guidelines, many have changed their hours and the way they deal with day-to-day business. The closure of businesses happened so quickly that many are scrambling to get information to their customers and online.

For example, on the website for Armstrong Garden Centers is a banner that states “Order via phone or request online for delivery or curbside pickup.” What it doesn’t make clear is that is the only way to get items from Armstrong Garden Centers. Customers of Armstrong Garden Centers can call or, preferably, send an email with the items they want to purchase. It takes up to 48 hours to get items ready at the La Cañada Flintridge location but the staff is working hard to reduce that time. The staff is also working on “virtual shopping,” which will have an Armstrong Garden Centers employee walk through the store and show items for sale. Customers can then make their selection, pay over the phone or online and then schedule a time to pickup their purchases. For more information, visit armstrongarden.com. Email information is on that website. The phone number is (818) 790-2555.

At Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital, the staff requests that instead of going into the office the pet parent calls the office from their car when they arrive for their appointment. The staff will then either come out and get the pet, or will have the pet parent walk the pet patient directly into an exam room, avoiding any waiting in the lobby. Anyone who needs pet food or medication can order it online at ccpet.com/store. For more information, visit ccpet.com

It is advised to search a store’s website, or contact it by phone, to make certain a customer has up-to-date information on that business.

LA County Public Health
As of today, April 4, there have been 28 new confirmed deaths in LA County and 711 new cases of COVID-19 reported. Two of the new deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach. Over the last 48 hours, there have been 1,238 new cases.

“To date, Public Health has identified 5,277 cases across all areas of LA County, including 117 deaths. As of today April 4, 1,168 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (22% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with almost 29,000 individuals tested and 14% of people testing positive,” according to Public Health. “Emerging evidence suggests that there may be a significant number of people infected with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic and capable of spreading the virus to others. New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us we need to use universal precautions all the time – assuming that each of us can infect others even when we aren’t sick, and that others can infect us. Along with physical distancing, frequent handwashing and remaining home when ill, the CDC is recommending that the general public wear non-medical face coverings when interacting with others while obtaining essential supplies and services. N95 and surgical masks should only be used by healthcare workers, first responders and those essential workers providing care for people who are ill.”

“This is the most dramatic increase in deaths we have seen since the COVID-19 crisis began, and our condolences go out to each and every person impacted by these heartbreaking losses,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of Public Health. “Though COVID-19 can infect people of all ages, most of the deaths we see continue to be among individuals over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions. Now, more than ever, we must unify as a community to protect this vulnerable population by making sure they are able to stay home and take every precaution. This is the time for neighbors, friends and families to make sure that those at highest risk for serious illness from COVID-19 are able to easily and safely remain in their homes with all their needs met. So, call and check in on our elderly community members and, when possible, safely drop off any supplies they may need, from a safe social distance. These are tough times, but we are a caring LA County and we will get through this together.”