On Nov. 9, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Four Tier COVID-19 tracking system placed all Southern California counties in the purple tier. The purple tier is the most restrictive level of the system, effectively closing all nonessential businesses. This includes restaurants, movie theaters, places of worship and gyms.

Newsom made the announcement at a press conference, claiming the state is pulling the “emergency break” on the economy as California sees a spike in coronavirus case numbers. As 28 counties fell back into the purple tier, including Orange and Ventura counties, 94% of California residents were required to return to a more prohibitory lockdown. Newsom gave businesses one day to implement new safety measures and is considering a statewide curfew.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

California, Oregon and Washington released a joint travel advisory on Nov. 13. The advisory encourages residents to stay home and stay local and for visitors to quarantine for 14 days upon travel. 

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown asked families to “stay close to home” and limit interactions with others to those in your immediate household during Thanksgiving in order to limit the spread of the virus. 

PANIC SHOPPING ENSUES

For a second time this year, stores are posting “Limit one per household” signs over toilet paper, paper towel and cleaning supply aisles. At the La Habra Target residents lined up before the store opened, clearing out the shelves as the sun came up. 

Target and Walmart, among other retailers, still offer an extra hour of shopping twice a week specifically for senior citizens and other shoppers that are more vulnerable to the coronavirus.