Dear Little Italy Residents, Businesses and Visitors, the safety and well-being of our historic neighborhood and the citizens of San Diego is our top priority.

As the situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19) develops, we have been closely monitoring all information locally, nationally and globally to ensure we best serve our residents, businesses and visitors. It is important to be knowledgeable, take proper precautions and stay calm. With that in mind, we would like to share the following information

Events Postponed

Due to COVID-19 and specifically new guidance from the California Department of Health, we have postponed all non-essential events and entertainment in Little Italy until the end of March. We are closely monitoring developments by public officials and will resume events once it is deemed safe.

Farmers’ Markets

The Little Italy Farmers Markets will be closed temporarily as staff works with the County and City to reopen with a modified structure, so our community members have access to farm fresh produce. For updated information, please follow the Little Italy Mercato on Facebook or call 619-233-3901.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Effective Monday, March 16th, Our Lady of the Rosary will be postponing services until additional information is provided by the Bishop. For more information on when services will reconvene, please follow Our Lady of the Rosary on Facebook or call 619-234-4820.

Washington Elementary School

Effective Monday, March 16th, Washington Elementary School will suspend classes until April 6th. For more information on when classes will reconvene, please visit the SDUSD COVID-19 webpage.

Open for Business

Little Italy’s family-owned, small businesses are here to support and serve during this difficult time. Our businesses are following enhanced sanitation protocols to maintain the utmost precautions and safety. Please visit our website for a full list of locations available for food, delivery, shopping needs and more. During this period, businesses may change staffing patterns and hours of operation to accommodate customer demands.

Know the Symptoms

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reported symptoms ranging from mild to severe respiratory illness. COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure. Symptoms generally include:

• Fever
• Dry Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of Breath and/or Difficulty Breathing

Stay Protected

To limit the spread of infection, public health organizations recommend:

• Avoiding Large Groups
• Washing Hands Thoroughly and Often
• Covering Mouth with Arm or Nook of Elbow when Coughing or Sneezing
• Abstaining from Touching of the Face; and
• Keeping a “Social Distance” of Six Feet or More.
• If you feel sick, stay home.

For additional guidance, contact your medical provider or visit the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Financial Hardship

Those facing reduced working hours, unemployment and/or financial hardships may visit the Employment Development Department for a variety of different support services for individuals affected by and due to COVID-19 in California.

We know that we, as a community, will come through this crisis. As one of the oldest, continuing neighborhoods in San Diego, Little Italy will continue to do our part to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our streets and sidewalks. We know our local businesses will continue their outstanding service as well. Stay in the city, go on with your daily activities and follow the State, County and local advice to ensure that this virus remains at a minimum in the region.

With Warm Regards