Full Notification

City Council Adopts Social Distancing and Anti-Hoarding Ordinance

Manhattan Beach, CA (March 25, 2020) - Today, the City Council passed an Urgency Ordinance to prohibit hoarding and adopt social distancing requirements ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Health, and the Los Angeles County Health Officer. 

“We have not seen the peak of the spread of this disease, and not practicing social distancing is irresponsible and dangerous. We must adhere to the recommendations from our health officials that people practice social distancing, stay home if sick, cancel or postpone group events, work from home, and take other precautions to protect the health and prevent transmission of COVID-19,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery.

Under the Urgency Ordinance, residents, visitors and businesses must exercise the social distancing requirements directed by the State and County orders related to COVID-19, including maintaining six feet distance from other people, including workers in activities deemed essential by the State, such as construction activities. No one can participate in any gathering or group activity of any size, including games and sports in any City park, the beach, the Pier, the Strand, and other public spaces. A gathering is defined as two or more persons, except those who share the same dwelling unit.

In addition, the Urgency Ordinance prohibits hoarding. These include essential goods such as: hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, canned food, frozen food and other needed supplies.

The penalties for hoarding or violating these prohibitions include 6 months in jail, and a $1,000 fine.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the City of Manhattan Beach will continue to provide updates. Information regarding the coronavirus is changing frequently. For accurate and up to date information about COVID-19, please visit DPH’s website, the City’s website, sign up for eNotifications and Nixle public safety alerts, and follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, and Instagram.

For questions on the implementation of the County’s Order and new City measures related to addressing COVID-19, please send an email to [email protected].

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