It’s warming up, but don’t venture out: Health officials issue virus reminder
The sun is out, the skies are blue, and the springtime temperatures may be beckoning. But don’t heed that siren song, Los Angeles County public health officials warn.
A warming trend this week may tempt Angelenos to congregate at outdoor spaces, but the public is reminded it’s better to remain at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
L.A. is getting a break from a series of northern storms that have kept the region chilly and rainy. Highs on Tuesday are expected in the mid-60s to low 70s near the beaches and in the 70s inland, said David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
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Temperatures will cool slightly over the next few days but remain mild, with highs Friday expected in the lower to mid-60s along the coast and in the lower 70s inland, Sweet said. A storm on the horizon could drop temperatures into the lower to mid-60s by Sunday and bring a chance of showers.
The warm weather is worrisome for county officials, who are urging residents to remain indoors while the state grapples with the spreading coronavirus pandemic.
On Tuesday, the county reminded residents that the local Safer at Home directives are still in effect and cautioned against “behavioral fatigue” — or growing tired of behaving a certain way — especially with the temptation of warming weather.
If people go outside, they risk contracting the virus or putting someone else at risk. Instead, the county listed alternatives, some of which include fostering a pet, using free online resources offered by the county for all ages or doing at-home art activities.
There are signs recent efforts to enforce social distancing may be working to slow the spread of the virus. But many outdoor spaces such as beaches and hiking trails have been closed because too many people have clustered in those areas.
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