"All indiividuals living in the State of California are currently ordered to stay home or at their place of residence, except for permitted work, local shopping or other permitted errands, or as otherwise authorized." (State of California)
Current State and County Health Officer Orders
Overview
COVID-19 related orders are issued by the State of California and some counties and cities. For example, Los Angeles County also has its own Health Officer Order in effect.
Collectively, these orders require individuals and families to stay at home except for defined essential and permitted activities, prohibit gatherings of more than one household, establish curfews, and place travel and other restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Which order should be followed? Residents are required to follow the most restrictive order in effect in their area.
Details
Details on California and county orders can be found at:
California
- All state-level COVID-19 restrictions: About COVID-19 Restrictions
Los Angeles County
Residents of Other Public Health Jurisdictions
- Local Public Health Department Directory
- Residents of other public health jurisdictions will find applicable health officer orders through their local departments of public health.
About This Webpage
This webpage provides general information about COVID-19, the novel coronavirus disease. Because new health officer orders and guidelines are released on a frequent basis, please visit the following resources for the latest updates:
- California COVID-19 restrictions: About COVID-19 Restrictions
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Learn More About Coronavirus
- Residents of other public health jurisdictions can find guidance and resources specific to their areas through the Local Public Health Department Directory.
Important Resources
Cal State LA
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Additional Los Angeles County Resources
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211 LA: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
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Department of Mental Health: Coronavirus/COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
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Office of Immigrant Affairs: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
State of California Resources
- State of California: COVID-19 Updates
- Includes information and resources on financial assistance, food and meal assistance, getting tested, obtaining health care, and COVID-19 risk reduction.
- California Department of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Other Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- World Health Organization: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
Free COVID-19 testing is available in Los Angeles and other counties. For details and to locate a test site, click on one of the following links: The LACDPH has issued the following instructions for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms and their families and caregivers: The LACDPH has issued the following guidance materials for those who have been exposed to COVID-19: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "the risk of spreading COVID-19 at events and gatherings increases as follows: COVID-19 cases are on the rise. It's important to: Certain hand sanitizers contain methanol. Methanol can cause severe health problems, including death. For details on which hand sanitizers to stop using, safety tips and symptoms of methanol poisoning, read: Note: The California Department of Public Health has issued a Travel Advisory. Additional information about travel restrictions may be found at About COVID-19 Restrictions. This is a very challenging time. The following resources offer suggestions for managing stress: Coping with Stress (CDC) Additional resources are available at: FindTreatment.gov: 800.662.HELP (800.662.4357) | TTY: 800.487.4889 Anyone exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 can become infected, so it is important to follow state, local public health and CDC guidelines to reduce risk. Certain individuals are at high risk for becoming seriously ill, which increases risk for hospitalization, being placed on a ventilator, and dying. The virus that causes COVID-19 primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, but may also spread through aerosols that linger in the air. According to the CDC (COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions), "there is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 6 feet (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes). In general, indoor environments without good ventilation increase this risk." Community spread (spread that includes infections among people whose infection sources are unknown) is occurring throughout the U.S. When an infected person breathes, speaks, sings, coughs, or sneezes, droplets or aerosols from their respiratory tract enter the air. Viruses can then enter the mouths or noses of other individuals, or land on nearby objects. The COVID-19 virus is primarily spread by: A "close contact" is any of the following people who were exposed to a person with COVID-19*: *A person with COVID-19, is considered to be infectious from 2 days before their symptoms first appeared until they are no longer required to be isolated (as described in Home Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19). A person with a positive COVID-19 test but no symptoms is considered to be infectious from 2 days before their test was taken until 10 days after their test. Individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19 are required to follow local public health orders for quarantine. Please read Home Quarantine Guidance for Close Contacts to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for additional important details on close contacts. The incubation period for COVID-19 (the time period between getting infected and when symptoms develop) is 2-14 days. Infected individuals are most infectious when they have symptoms. However, the COVID-19 virus is also spread by infected individuals who do not have symptoms (the reason wearing face coverings is very important). For those who develop symptoms, the virus can be spread to others 48 hours before their symptoms appear. Because the virus can be spread by infected individuals who do not have symptoms, in addition to physical distancing and other protective measures, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health advises that everyone "should use a clean face covering anytime they will be in contact with other people who are not household members in public or private spaces. It is important to note that face coverings are not a substitute for always practicing physical distancing and frequent handwashing." For additional details, read: Many individuals do not develop symptoms. In those who do develop symptoms, symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after becoming infected. For additional details or to use the Coronavirus Self-Checker, visit the CDC's Symptoms of Coronavirus. If you develop symptoms, you and any close contacts are required to follow these guidelines from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health Warning signs of serious illness that require immediate medical attention include: For additional details, read the CDC's Symptoms of Coronavirus. The flu and COVID-19 share certain features (e.g.,both are contagious viral infections that cause similar symptoms), but also have differences (e.g., COVID-19 is associated with the loss of taste and smell, trouble breathing, and more severe illness). For these and additional details on flu and COVID-19 differences and similarites, visit the CDC's Similarities and Differences Between Flu and COVID-19. If you develop respiratory, COVID-19 or flu symptoms: Yes, it's possible to be infected with the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu (and other infections) at the same time. Diagnostic testing can help determine what infection(s) someone has. Most children who become infected with COVID-19 either have mild or no symptoms. However, some children develop severe illness. MIS-C has been diagnosed in some previously healthy children who are or have been infected with COVID-19. The condition causes potentially life-threatening swelling (inflammation) in the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, brain, skin, stomach and other organs. A child's healthcare provider should be contacted as soon as possible if they develop any of the following symptoms. MIS-C symptoms include: Immediate emergency care should be sought for children who exhibit the following symptoms: The best protection against MIS-C is to help children avoid COVID-19 infection. According to the CDC: Individuals who are or may be at higher risk should take additional precautions: These orders are aimed at reducing risk of spreading and getting COVID-19. Physical distancing is important to protect yourself and others. Maintain at least six feet between you and other individuals who are not members of your household. Stay home except to access or perform essential services or other allowed activities. For details, refer to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines below: Because the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread by infected individuals who do not have symptoms, in addition to physical distancing and other protective measures, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health advises that everyone "should use a clean face covering anytime they will be in contact with other people who are not household members in public or private spaces. It is important to note that face coverings are not a substitute for always practicing physical distancing and frequent handwashing." For additional details on face coverings, read: For tips on how to make a face covering at home, view this video by the U.S. Surgeon General: Individuals who plan to participate in public demonstrations or have participated in demonstrations may be at increased risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. Consider all recommended risk reduction guidelines: Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that infect a variety of animal species. Bats, birds, camels, cats, and other animals are hosts to coronaviruses. They are also common causes of infection in people. In humans, coronaviruses can cause mild to severe illness. For example, coronaviruses are one of the virus types that cause the common cold. A cold is generally a mild infection. In contrast, with COVID-19, the novel coronavirus causes severe illness and is responsible for more than a million deaths. For additional details, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's About COVID-19. A novel coronavirus is a newly identified virus that infects and causes illness in animals or people. The problem with any novel virus is the potential to spread through populations with little to no immunity to the virus. Examples of other novel coronavirus outbreaks include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). For additional details, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's About COVID-19. Sources:COVID-19 Testing
Test Sites
What Should I Do if I Develop COVID-19 Symptoms?
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) Guidelines
General Considerations
What Should I Do if I May Have Been Exposed?
Celebrate Safely
Take Care When Celebrating
Note: Gatherings of more than one household are prohibited at this time.
"Avoid Crowds, Confined Spaces & Close ContactOnly gather with members of your household.
If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, are sick or someone you have had close contact with is sick, remain isolated away from others or quarantine, as appropriate.
Wear a cloth face covering when outside your home or when around others who are not in your household while engaged in essential and permitted activities.
Do not share: utensils, cups, food, drinks.
Disinfect frequently touched items regularly.
Wash or sanitize your hands often."
For additional information, read:
General Safety Considerations
Consider the Risk
The Risk of Spreading COVID-19 at Events and Gatherings
Lowest Risk
Virtual-only events, activities and gatherings.
More Risk
Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).
Higher Risk
Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.
Highest Risk
Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area."
Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Follow California, Los Angeles County (and other local public health department), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to reduce risk.
Take care to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Don't forget that infected individuals who don't have symptoms can pass the infection to others.
Stay home if you have a fever, respiratory or other symptoms, or feel sick, except to obtain necessary medical care. Quarantine if you have had close contact with someone who is sick.
Stay home except for essential needs if you are at high-risk for serious illness. Where possible, let friends or family members take care of grocery shopping and other needs.
Wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet at work, when in public and when taking advantage of open services, businesses, parks and beaches, and in other situations where you will or likely will come in contact with individuals who are not in your household, .
Check Your Hand Sanitizer
Avoid Non-Essential Travel - If You Do Travel, Follow Public Health Guidelines
Travel Considerations in the U.S. or Elsewhere
Adhere to health officer orders.
General Travel Resources
International Travel Resources
Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get COVID-19?
How Does the COVID-19 Virus Spread?
Virus Spread
Close Contacts
Additional Details
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
Individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus may experience these symptoms:
What to Do if You Develop Symptoms
What are the Warning Signs of Serious COVID-19 Illness?
Call 911 in an emergency. Inform the dispatcher that you have/may have COVID-19.
What is the Difference Between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
Can Someone Have COVID-19 and the Flu at the Same Time?
What About Children and What is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome?
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs: Seek Emergency Care
Protect Children
For additional information, read:
Who is at High Risk for Becoming Seriously Ill?
Certain individuals are or may be at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with the COVID-19 virus:
Additionally, according to the CDC, there are also other people who should take extra precautions.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself and Others?
Follow state and local public health orders.
Practice Physical Distancing
Wear Face Coverings
General Considerations
For additional information, refer to the resources at See What it Means for You.
What Should I Do if I Plan to Participate (or Have Participated) in a Public Demonstration?
For additional information, read:
What are Coronaviruses?
What is a Novel Coronavirus?