After much confusion sparked by a press release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health earlier this week, LACDPH just issued its second Revised Temporary Targeted Safer at Home Health Officer Order in less than 24 hours.
This Revised Temporary Order (“Order”) is effective 11:59 p.m. (PST) on December 30, 2020. It will remain in effect for as long as the State Regional Stay at Home Order remains in effect in the Southern California Region.
Starting December 31, 2020, anyone traveling to Los Angeles County from anywhere outside of the Southern California Region (Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura) must self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival. Such individuals must stay at home or another place of temporary shelter and away from others, including those in the same household (unless they are also under quarantine).
LACDPH also published Appendix W, a Mandatory Directive on Travel in furtherance of the State’s Travel Advisory, which provides that Californians stay home or in their Region and avoid non-essential travel and persons who arrive into any Region of California self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival. The Directive discourages non-essential travel and requires all persons traveling into Los Angeles County, whether by air, car, train, or other means, to quarantine for at least 10 days after arrival, unless specifically exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirements.
Violation of or failure to comply with the Revised Temporary Order and/or the Mandatory Directive on Travel is a misdemeanor punishable by fine ($50 to $1,000), imprisonment (90 days to 6 months), or both.
Los Angeles County employers should review their existing COVID-19 exposure response plans to ensure compliance with the Revised Temporary Order and Mandatory Directive on Travel and may wish to contact counsel for further guidance. While state and local COVID-19 regulations continue to evolve, we will continue to provide updates on the latest developments.
