Carlsbad Suspends in-person Services

The City of Carlsbad will temporarily suspend all in-person services in response to today’s San Diego County public health order to slow the spread of COVID-19. A special City Council meeting will be held at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, to declare a local emergency.

The city has been planning its COVID-19 response for the past six weeks and is ready to manage essential city services that protect the health and welfare of the community. 

Effective Monday, March 16 at 5 p.m. all city libraries and Tuesday, March 17, at 7 a.m., all city buildings will temporarily be closed to the public. City employees will continue to work, maintaining a 6-foot distance between each other and following all other health guidelines. 

Although many city employees are affected by the COVID-19 emergency due to child care and other personal needs, the city has arranged options to help all who can work to carry on either in person or remotely. 
Among the facilities affected are:

• Libraries
• Senior Center (M-F meal service for those 60 and older will continue outside on a pickup basis and by delivery)
• Community centers, aquatic centers and all parks buildings except restrooms
• Faraday Administration Center
• City Hall

Many city services can be accessed online or by phone. The city will have a list of these on a special website set up on Tuesday, March 17 for the ongoing COVID-19 response.

City parks and trails will remain open to the public, and park restrooms will be open and accessible during operating hours. Additional maintenance will be conducted to clean, disinfect and stock restrooms. The city has also placed handwashing stations in community locations. 

Other guidance and directions issued by the county today include:

• Those 65 and older and people with underlying health conditions should stay home and avoid contact with other people.
• Residential care facilities like nursing homes may not allow visitors except in end of life circumstances.
• No events, public or private, will be permitted with over 50 people. Any non-essential gatherings of any size are discouraged.
• All bars, nightclubs, breweries and wineries must close that don’t serve food.
• Restaurants may only do delivery and pickup.
• Schools may not hold classes in person.
• Nonessential personnel prohibited from health care and long term care facilities.
• Hospital and labs shall report all COVID results to county health officer
• Businesses will implement social distancing, telecommuting and additional cleaning. 
• All businesses will suspend policies and procedures requiring a doctor’s note for employees to take advantage of sick time.
• Those exhibiting symptoms shall isolate themselves until seeking medical treatment.
• Quarantine orders for all those traveling from COVID-19 impacted countries.

For more information about the City of Carlsbad’s COVID-19 response and other related information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/COVID19.