As Long Beach began allowing the reopening of some retail stores and some recreation activities on Friday, Mayor Robert Garcia warned residents that the city will roll back those allowances if officials see spikes in cases and hospitalizations.

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“We’re only able to do so because the health indicators are moving in the right direction,” Garcia said, noting that the number of hospitalizations have been relatively flat for the last 25 days, hospitals are at about half capacity and the city has greatly increased its testing capacity.

But he warned that if these indicators begin to go in the wrong direction in the next few weeks, like if hospitalizations and deaths spike, they could add more and new restrictions.

He also announced that the stay-at-home order, set to expire May 15, would be extended indefinitely as the city moves through phases of reopening. The city is now following state guidance on reopening, and cannot move faster than the state and county orders allow, he said.

His warning comes as the city announced 23 new positive cases, bringing the total to 898, and two new deaths, bringing the total to 40.

Garcia noted that the city can expect the number of cases to continue to increase because the city’s testing capacity has increased to about 1,000 people per day. He urged frontline and essential workers, like bus drivers, to get tested even if they don’t have symptoms.

He also urged residents to continue to follow physical distancing requirements, to avoid gatherings and picnics, particular as Mother’s Day arrives on Sunday.

“I am pleading with everyone, to please do the right thing,” Garcia said.

Lifeguards will be out patrolling the beach to ensure people aren’t gathering or sitting and there will be a police presence at other recreational sites to ensure people are following the rules, he said.

“Police officers always have the ability to cite, but the last thing we want to do is to cite people who are hurting financially,” Garcia said.

The city also issued new orders on self-isolating and self-quarantining, in line with the Centers for Disease Control. Those who have tested positive or have symptoms should self-isolated for 10 days after symptoms appear (previously seven days), and at least three days after a fever goes away without the use the use of medication, said Dr. Anissa Davis, the city’s health officer, said.

They also must notify any close contacts they had during the 48 hours before their symptoms started.

Valerie Osier is the Social Media & Newsletter Manager for the Long Beach Post. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ValerieOsier