Coronavirus: Ventura County issues public health order banning public gatherings

Ventura County officials issued a new public health order on Thursday night banning public gatherings to further slow the spread of coronavirus in local communities.

The order restricts gatherings of two or more people in public at a time, with some exceptions. Gatherings include groups of people in outdoor or indoor settings, whether it be an auditorium, parking lot, conference hall or other gathering space.

Members of the same household are still allowed to travel to essential activities together, and gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed at graveside funeral services.

The order also allows up to seven staff members of organizations to gather in a single space only to prepare or facilitate virtual communications, such as a livestream for a religious service.

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The order builds on previous public health orders issued over the last few weeks ordering non-essential businesses to close and asking residents to stay home when possible.

The county issued its first health order March 17, first asking individuals age 75 and older to self isolate. A county wide stay well at home order was issued March 20 and nearly coincided with Gov. Gavin Newsom's order for the state.

By March 31, another order had been issued by Ventura County Public Health adding more information about non-essential business and imposing greater restrictions who violate the order.

Thursday's order, in addition to banning public gatherings, also expanded the designation of essential businesses to bicycle repair and supply shops, real estate companies and automobile dealerships to perform exclusively online sales.

All essential businesses that remain open are required to enforce social distancing protocols in their businesses, according to the new order.

Finally, the order also advises hospitals and other long-term care facilities dealing with coronavirus patients to comply with guidance documents to prevent an outbreak among seniors, a group considered to be especially at risk of suffering major complications from the virus. The order advises long-term care facilities to relocate positive patients to holding units within hospitals.

The order took effect at 11:59 p.m. Thursday and lasts through April 19 unless modified by the county public health officer.

Those found to be in violation of the public health order may be deemed a public nuisance by law enforcement and may face legal consequences.

In a statement, Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County public health officer, called the order an effort to save lives and help protect the community. 

"We cannot underestimate COVID-19, a virus that knows no boundaries, infects people of all ages, and can cause significant illness and death, particularly among people who are elderly or who have underlying serious health conditions," Levin said. 

Read the full public health order below:

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.