Descanso Gardens Close Until Further Notice Due To Coronavirus

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA — Descanso Gardens announced Wednesday that its gardens in La Cañada Flintridge will be closed to the public until further notice due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

The closure will be effective Thursday until further notice. The Huntington Library in San Marino closed a day earlier due to the coronavirus as well, and will be closed to the public through April 14.

"While we know the gardens are a place of wellness and escape in Southern California, the safety of our staff and visitors is our first priority," Descano's Executive Director Juliann Rooke said.

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"We were hoping to keep the gardens open, but considering the volume of guests we have during springtime, we believe closing is the best way to help slow the spread of COVID-19," Rooke said.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia's landscape remains open, but it has canceled all remaining programs through March 31, and also suspended walking tours, tram tours, docent-led school tours and Santa Anita Depot Tours through May 1. Tickets for entry must be purchased online.

Guests are advised to check the Arboretum's website before planning a visit in the event of any changes.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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.

Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011.

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City News Service contributed to this post