Pasadena Issues Limited Stay-at-Home Order as COVID-19 Cases Rise

As Pasadena experiences an increase in daily COVID-19 cases and local hospitalizations continue to grow, the city issued a limited stay-at-home order on Wednesday.

Under the new restrictions — which went into effect Wednesday at midnight and will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 20 or until rescinded in writing by the Health Officer — all public and private gatherings with individuals from more than one household are prohibited, except for outdoor faith-based services and protests that follow public health guidelines.

“Pasadena is not the place to come for social gatherings, whether at a home of a friend or relative, a fraternity picnic, or a group meal at an outdoor dining establishment—no gatherings are allowed,” read a statement from the city.

While outdoor dining at restaurants is currently allowed in Pasadena, only a maximum of six individuals from the same household can eat within 6 feet of each other. City officials admit earlier this week that there is really no way to enforce the rule limiting dining parties to people from the same household.

“We’re not going to ask for identification,” Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said Tuesday. “We don’t want restaurant staff to enforce that, because it wouldn’t be fair. This is more of a self-regulating, honor system.”

Pasadena restaurants are also required to close on-site dining by 10 p.m. so diners can comply with California’s limited stay-at-home order, which requires that residents stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for essential activities.

Businesses that are permitted to operate indoors and outdoors must require all patrons to wear a face covering at all times and maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance, in addition to following all other public health protocols, the city said. As stated in the state order and existing local order, nonessential retail and personal care services may not exceed 25% occupancy.

Fitness centers permitted to operate outdoors should take active steps to reduce occupancy and swimming pools serving more than one household may open only for regulated lap swimming, with one person per lane.

Drive-in movies/events/car parades (as long as occupants in each car are members of the same household), schools, childcare facilities, and day camps may continue to operate, so long as they operate in accordance with public health protocols.

Enforcement measures will include city employees and volunteers canvassing areas throughout the city reminding residents and visitors of the face covering requirement, and the prohibition of gatherings. According to the order: “Violation of this Temporary Order is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment, fine or both under California Health and Safety Code Section 120295. This Temporary Order will be enforced by the City of Pasadena Police Department, City Attorney/City Prosecutor’s Office, and/or any other agency designated by the Pasadena City Manager for enforcement.”

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