La Cañada coronavirus cases double to 16, rate per 100K surpasses Glendale
Preparing for an unprecedented surge in new novel coronavirus cases to soon hit, Los Angeles County health officials this week urged residents to hunker down at home, avoid shopping trips and wear face masks or coverings while in public.
“If you have enough supplies in your home, this would be the week to skip shopping altogether,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Monday in a daily briefing.
The recommendation came as the number of transmissions for the La Cañada Flintridge reporting area doubled Tuesday from eight at the start of the month to 16. That roughly calculates to a rate of 78 in 100,000 people — a figure that eclipses Glendale, where 154 transmissions pencil out to about 76 in 100,000.
Meanwhile, the number of cases counted in unincorporated areas of La Crescenta and Montrose rose to seven Tuesday, county figures indicate.
Locals took to social media, scrambling to secure or sew face masks for family members and healthcare workers who may be facing short supplies at work.
But despite Ferrer’s warning to shelter in place during an anticipated surge, lines at La Cañada grocery stores wrapped around the block as residents waited for their turn to stock up on necessities and food items.
Trader Joe’s admitted customers in small numbers to prevent overcrowding, instructing patrons to maintain a 6-foot distance in a line that extended down Gould Avenue to Foothill Boulevard. Shoppers at nearby Ralphs grocery store suited up in masks and gloves.
