The Santa Monica Pier will be temporarily closed for New Years’ weekend, it was announced Wednesday.
The city said in a statement that “in an effort to slow the rampant spread of COVID-19 throughout Los Angeles County,” the pier would close at 10 p.m. Wednesday and reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, January 4.
“We are in the middle of the worst part of the public health crisis with hospitals stretched beyond their capacity as people continue to gather and infect friends and family. Right now, one county resident dies of COVID-19 every ten minutes. Be part of curbing this trend by not gathering and staying home,” the statement added.
The city almost emphasized that “code enforcement COVID-19 details will be active throughout the weekend to enforce unpermitted business operations, gatherings and [lack of] face masks.”
The closure arrives after it was announced that California’s regional stay-at-home order has been extended as COVID cases continue to spike in the state. Given recent gatherings and holiday travels, officials have expressed concern that there will be another surge in new infections.
During a COVID-19 update livestream Tuesday from the state’s Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, he expressed, “We could see the worst of it in early January.” “Many of you are tired,” Ghaly said. “Do as much as you can. Celebrate virtually.”
In a news briefing Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned, “We’ve seen the Thanksgiving bump, we’re feeling possibility of a Christmas one, please do not let us have a third surge that we simply cannot take here in Los Angeles as a result of our New Year.” He pleaded for everyone to avoid gathering with others on New Year’s Eve.
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Hollywood Reporter