Near-lockdown in LA County, residents urged to stay home

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County, the nation's largest with 10 million residents, announced a near-lockdown Thursday in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, urging all residents to stay home except for essential needs. The "Safer at Home" order takes effect Friday and calls for the closure of all non-essential businesses and prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people. Grocery stories and other essential businesses will remain open. People may still leave their homes for walks and exercise and for essential needs such as food and medical care. Restaurant meals can still be delivered to homes. "We're about to enter into a new way of living here in Los Angeles," Mayor Eric Garcetti said at a news conference. "What we do and how we do it and if we get this right will determi