Update: March 17, 2020

On March 16, the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in the City of Glendale. Additionally, an employee at Clark Magnet High School self-reported that s/he is quarantined at home due to a possible exposure to COVID-19 within the last week.

        “We immediately notified the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health, the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the City of Glendale of this self-reporting,” stated Vivian Ekchian, superintendent of schools at Glendale Unified School District.

As of today, Tuesday, March 17 Glendale City Emergency Operations Center has been activated. The City Council has declared a local emergency and issued a supplement to the local emergency proclamation that orders temporary business closures that include:

• All bars, banquet halls, and nightclubs in the City of Glendale that do not serve food shall be closed to the public.
• Any bars, banquet halls, or nightclubs in the City of Glendale that serve food may remain open only for purposes of continuing to prepare and offer food to customers via delivery service or to be picked up. Dine-in food service is prohibited.
• All restaurants and retail food facilities in the City of Glendale shall be prohibited from serving food for consumption on premises. Restaurants and retail food facilities may continue to operate for purposes of preparing and offering food to customers via delivery service, to be picked up or for drive-thru. For those establishments offering food pick-up options, proprietors are directed to establish social distancing practices for those patrons in the queue for pick-up.
• All movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, and similar entertainment establishments shall be closed to the public.
• All gyms and fitness centers shall be closed to the public.

There were a few exemptions from the order that includes cafeterias, commissaries and restaurants located within hospitals, nursing homes, or similar facilities; grocery stores; pharmacies; food banks; and Farmer’s Markets that do not provide sit-down dining and don’t have spaces that are likely to confine 50 people or more in a single space.

Trucks and other vehicles engaged in the delivery of grocery items to grocery stores, when such items are to be made available for sale to the public, are hereby exempt from having to comply with any City rules and regulations that limit the hours for such deliveries.

Glendale Police Dept. and CV Sheriff’s Station

Like the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.–Crescenta Valley Station, the Glendale Police Dept. will be limiting access to the front lobby at 131 N. Isabel St. until further notice, except in essential situations that include: Situations where law enforcement presence is needed immediately to protect life, safety or property; impound releases; individuals who are required by law to check in with law enforcement; and mandated visits for payment of fees or collection of property.

Those who require assistance while at GPD office can use the phone located at the main entrance.

The CV Station is also taking precautions during this time adjusting operations for those who visit the front desk. For non-emergency services people are encouraged to call the station at (818) 248-3464 or visit LASD.org.

Grocery Store Hours

Grocery stores are continuing their effort to keep items on the shelves and to keep the stores clean; hours have been adjusted.

Vons in La Crescenta and Montrose: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; quantities of certain items are limited

Ralphs in La Crescenta and La Cañada: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice

Trader Joe’s in La Crescenta/Montrose: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. TJ’s is limiting 30 people at a time to enter the store.

Trader Joe’s in La Cañada: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. TJ’s is limiting about 40 people at a time to enter the store.

Gelson’s Market in La Cañada: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Gelson’s will allow seniors into the store; from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the general public will be allowed into the store.

        Scams

There have been many stories of people helping others get through these difficult times as everyone deals with the unprecedented rules and regulations to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately there are some who see this as an opportunity to prey on the most vulnerable and to use fear to make a profit.

        “The growing coronavirus pandemic has people looking online for prevention tips. But beware of scammers who are posting fake information about treatments and local outbreaks. The Federal Trade Commission has warned that fraudsters are creating websites to sell fake remedies. The scams also include using phony emails, text messages and social media posts to try to steal your personal information and money,” according to a release from Jackie Lacey, LA County District Attorney.

Remember these tips to avoid getting scammed:

Do not click on links from unknown senders; they could load malware onto your devices.

Remain vigilant of emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or disease experts. Directly visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov.

Be suspicious of online offers for vaccinations or cures for the coronavirus. Also, check the legitimacy of groups asking for donations for victims.

         These scams can come via the internet or by phone. Residents are encouraged to call law enforcement if they receive a suspicious phone call or email.