Valley businesses and patrons prepare for new stay-at-home order set to take effect in less than 24 hours

On Saturday Southern California was below the state's ICU capacity threshold, thrusting it into a new regional stay-at-home order that's set to go into effect on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. The state reported that Southern California's ICU capacity was at 12.5%, which fell below the 15% requirement to avert the order.

Many businesses will now be forced to close their doors again, as the state grapples with an "unprecedented rise in the rate of increase in COVID-19
cases, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates across California," according to the Department of Public Health.

"If that’s what’s needed, I just follow what’s being ordered when it comes to safety," said Hollywood resident, Noni Adia.

Adia works at a longterm care facility, and said he understood the safety precautions because he'd also like to keep his patients safe. On the other hand, he expressed frustration over the months-long restrictions.

"This is so frustrating since we’ve been doing this for over a year now," said Adia.

Many people were out and about on Saturday, enjoying some of the last time they had before the restrictions took effect.

"I respect what they’re trying to do and I respect the curve that they’re trying to make, but I think they should have done it a long time ago. I don’t think they should have done it right now," Los Angeles County resident, Jessica Lifosjoe said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the order last week in response to surging COVID-19 cases, and dwindling ICU capacities.

Salons are among the businesses that will have to close.

"I do understand it’s because of the virus but if you see this shop- there’s a little bit of people, but then you see casinos and they’re full of people so who really understands what’s going on," barber at Downtown Barbers, Carlos Mejia said.

The Desert Hot Springs Barber was disappointed over the closure, but plans to conduct side jobs to stay afloat.

Restaurants will also have to change operations. Indoor and outdoor dining will be prohibited, while takeout and pick-up will be the only services available.

"I try to stay calm and take a step back and think about the situation as opposed to getting frustrated because that’s not going to get me anywhere," Delicias Mexican Cuisine co-owner, Cesar Olvera said.

The Desert Hot Springs restaurant has only been open since July 2019. Olvera said they survived the first wave of closures, and are now bracing for the second.

"I’m here at least 2-3 times possibly a week. It’s literally the best Mexican food here in the desert," said Morongo Valley resident, Christina Sanchez.

Sanchez, who is a regular, was disappointed knowing that Saturday was likely her last time dining out at Delicias for a while.

"It is a bummer. It’s kind of nice to come here and get out of the house for a moment and have a nice meal and relax and go home," said Sanchez.

She went on to add that it's also frustrating, knowing that many people continue not to take the virus seriously.

"If folks would just stop being ridiculous about not wearing masks, if folks would respect social distancing, quit congregating together where you’re not in the same households-- that’s how you’re going to control it," Sanchez said.

The restaurant will have to pivot again. Although Olvera is staying optimistic, he believes it's unfair that many other businesses are staying open.

"When you look at it it’s not necessarily fair because you know at Walmart and Costco, they’re not necessarily going to go out of business because of this. If anything they’re thriving because they’re the only places that are open, which is to me is just ridiculous that small businesses have to take the hit and they don’t," said Olvera.

The state announced that the stay-at-home order will last for 3 weeks.