Street sweeping suspended

By Sam Catanzaro

Parking restrictions have been lifted in Santa Monica in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19).

On Monday night Santa Monica City Manager and Director of Emergency Services Rick Cole signed the City’s fourth supplemental emergency order suspending street sweeping and preferential parking regulations. According to the City, this will better enable the Santa Monica community to stay at home during the (COVID-19) public health emergency.

Accoridng to the City, street sweeping shall not be conducted unless “essential for public health and safety”. The rules, which are in effect through March 31, also suspend parking citations associated with street sweeping are also suspended.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Santa Monica as of Monday, one of 94 confirmed cases countywide.

15 cases are likely due to community transmission, health officials say.

All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined, according to Public Health.

“We are seeing a significant increase in cases and evidence of community spread as more testing occurs,” said Barbara Ferrer, Public Health Director. “We are implementing more social distancing requirements and we expect everyone to do their part.”