California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a curfew for all counties in the Purple Tier for COVID-19 monitoring, just as L.A. County recorded its highest number of single-day COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

In a tweet Thursday, Newsom credited the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the state as cause for another layer of precautions set out by public health officials. The curfew puts a halt to “non-essential” work and gatherings after 10:00 p.m.

 

“Due to the rise in #COVID19 cases, CA is issuing a limited Stay at Home Order. Non-essential work and gatherings must stop from 10pm-5am in counties in the purple tier. This will take effect at 10pm on Saturday and remain for 1 month. Together–we can flatten the curve again,” Newsom’s tweet read.

While L.A. County had announced a non-essential business curfew and other restrictions, Wednesday, the new state-imposed order added gatherings to the curfew, and set a tangible 1 month timeline.

The Newsom tweet also came after he announced that 40 other counties, including neighboring Orange County, were added to the Purple Tier on Monday.

On Thursday, L.A. Public Health announced 5,031 new COVID-19 cases with 29 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the county’s overall totall to 353,232 and 7,363, respectively. The 5,031 new cases is the highest single-day total since the start of the pandemic.

Both Los Angeles Mayor and L.A. Public Health have urged residents not to gather for the holidays, even if they have been tested.

“A COVID-19 test is not a passport to party or socialize,” L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a tweet. “We’re at a critical juncture in the pandemic and we’re asking everyone to limit unnecessary risk, stop the spread and save lives.”

L.A. County’s COVID-19 case rate for ages 18 to 29 more than double in the last month, from 11.5 cases, to 25 cases per 100,000 people.

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