Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued what he called a “Safer at Home” emergency order to help limit the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

To the Occidental Community:

Earlier this evening, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued what he called a “Safer at Home” emergency order to help limit the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. Effective at midnight tonight, Thursday, March 19, all city residents are ordered to stay inside their residences and limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs. The order--which is mandatory, not a recommendation--is currently set to last until April 19.

Please note, however, that colleges and universities are defined as essential service providers that will remain open. Thus, Occidental remains open. Employees who have been coming to campus, and not working remotely, can continue to come to campus. The College fully embraces the purpose of the mayor’s order and the need to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Consistent with President Veitch’s previous direction and that of public health officials, we strongly encourage everyone who can work from home to do so, with the approval of their supervisor. You can find more information about Mayor Garcetti’s order here.

Given that the impact of the coronavirus continues to evolve rapidly, we expect there will be further developments. We will update you regarding anything relevant to Occidental.

Jim Tranquada
Director of Communications