Downey urges residents to stop panic-buying at grocery stores

DOWNEY — Downey city officials are urging residents to stop panic-shopping at local grocery stores and to follow newly-released health guidelines by the state of California and CDC.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday new stricter guidelines to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) . The new guidelines include: 

■ Advising all people 65 or older and those with underlying health issues to self-isolate at home 

■ Directing all bars, brew pubs, nightclubs, and wineries to shut down 

■ Imploring restaurants to be no more than 50% occupancy and ensuring social distancing among their patrons

Additionally, the CDC has recommended against events consisting of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. The Downey Unified School District has closed its schools for the next two weeks.

 “The City of Downey asks that the community follow the newly issued guidelines,” the city said in a statement released Sunday evening. “The City will be coordinating with the Downey Chamber of Commerce and the local business community to communicate the Governor’s new guidelines. Per the CDC guidelines, the will be evaluating City programming and future events for compliance. The City will update its website at https://www.downeyca.org/residents/coronavirusinfo and its social media pages to notify the public of its actions regarding adjustments and cancellation of City programming and future events. 

“The City understands the need to maintain a reasonable supply of shelf-stable food and other supplies as individuals are advised to stay home and new guidelines are released. However, the City is urging residents to avoid panic buying at grocery stores and respect quantity limits of select, high-demand items (like hand sanitizers and household cleaners) to help ensure others can find the products they need.'“

Grocery stores are working closely with suppliers to keep food moving quickly through the system and making more deliveries to stores to ensure shelves are stocked. 

“The COVID-19 outbreak brings a high degree of anxiety,” said Mayor Blanca Pacheco. “But It is important to be reminded to remain calm, not panic, understand the facts, and follow state and local guidelines.” 

“The spread of COVID-19 is a stressful situation, and we appreciate Downey residents and businesses working together to help protect our community, ” added Mayor Pro-Tem Claudia Frometa. 

For more information and the latest status of city services, visit the city’s website at downeyca.org/residents/coronavirusinfo. Updates will be shared regularly through the city’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.