Santa Monica City Hall Building and Library Closures to the Public
March 12, 2020 6:04 PM
UPDATE: All orders associated with the local COVID-19 emergency have been extended to April 30, 2020. All local emergency orders are available at santamonica.gov/coronavirus.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The City of Santa Monica is taking measures to protect the public through facility closures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These steps are in line with the aggressive measures public health authorities advise. Closures are as follows:
- The Santa Monica City Hall building will not be open to the public Monday, March 16 – March 31.
- Santa Monica Public Library branches will be closed March 14 – March 31. The Pico Branch will be closed beginning tomorrow, March 13 – March 31.
- The Virginia Avenue Park campus facilities will be closed March 13 through March 16 in alignment with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District suspension.
- Updates on closures will be available at santamonica.gov/coronavirus.
“In cooperation with Federal, State and County guidance, we are taking bold and aggressive steps to reduce the spread of illness -- while continuing to serve our community with vital services,” said City Manager Rick Cole. “This is a time of social distancing, but Santa Monica’s strong social fabric is what will see us through this challenging time.”
Essential City staff will continue to work from City Hall and City operations will continue. The Santa Monica workforce is equipped to telework while continuing to offer services to the community through 21st century government practices. Public counter services will not be available in person. For information on service changes and availability, visit santamonica.gov/coronavirus. This information will be updated before the start of business on Monday, March 16. For information on services, community members can call 310-458-8301 or email info@santamonica.gov beginning Monday.
There are no changes to Santa Monica Farmers Markets at this time.
Here are other tips and information related to COVID-19:
- If you are having difficulty breathing or keeping fluids down, go to an emergency room or call 911.
- For all 911 calls, regardless of the nature of the call, communicate to the dispatcher if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, or are hot to touch.
- If you are experiencing other respiratory symptoms and mild illness similar to the flu or cold it is recommended that you monitor your symptoms and call your doctor before you seek care.
- Call your healthcare provider or 211 if you have symptoms related to COVID-19 or have additional questions.
- Santa Monica Fire Department does not have COVID-19 testing capabilities.
As a reminder, please follow common-sense public health guidance:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
- Get a flu shot to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.
To stay informed, sign up for Santa Monica news at santamonica.gov/newsletter and emergency alerts at www.santamonica.gov/alerts. You can also follow Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Official Public Health Information:
LA County Department of Public Health >
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention >
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov