L.A. County is aligning with state regulations as a number of “swift and safe” reopenings are announced.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County announced the reopening of religious services, drive-in theatres, pools, hot tubs, flea markets, indoor retail and a number of other activities. This follows state-wide reopenings announced today and yesterday, that allows services such as barbershops and churches to reopen. However, in L.A., personal grooming businesses such as nail and hair salons remain closed.
The updated order by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is part of a staged reopening plan that has been swiftly rolling out over the last few weeks—hiking trails, beaches, malls and beach parks have reopened, and even car parades being permitted now.
In a major #COVID19 recovery milestone, LA County is aligning regulations to match State of CA’s in a phased approach to reopening that now permits resumption of faith-based services, in-store shopping at low-risk stores, drive-in movies & other activities https://t.co/TZOTjb8wmr pic.twitter.com/t2NaO8ZzaU
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) May 27, 2020
This new milestone will provide the county with a better chance of reopening sectors ahead of state orders. It also indicates that certain public health criteria have been met, including stabilized hospitalization numbers, sufficient testing and tracing capability and fewer than 25 cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days.
Some of the activities and changes are as follows:
- Faith-based organizations may resume services, with the number of congregants limited to less than 25% of the building’s capacity, or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower.
- All retail, including those located in indoor and outdoor retail shopping centers, may now open for business at 50% capacity.
- Flea markets, swap meets and drive-in movie theaters may resume operations.
- Pools, hot tubs and saunas that are in a multi-unit residence or part of a homeowners association may now open.
- Public protests are permitted so long as attendance is limited to 25% of the area’s maximum occupancy, or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower
- Runyon Canyon is now open with social distancing guidelines and one-way loops
Physical distancing requirements, the wearing of face coverings and other safety protocols must still be observed, officials said.
“Aligning Los Angeles County’s health orders with that of the state is going to provide immediate relief to our communities. This important step will enable our residents and businesses to have greater clarity and consistency as we continue to take positive steps toward reopening Los Angeles County,” Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement.
According to the L.A. County website, gatherings with people that are not from the same household are strictly prohibited, except for faith-based services and in-person protests.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also announced that all retail businesses will be allowed to welcome customers into stores starting Wednesday, but all health and safety measures will need to adhere to.
The county also advises anyone unwell or with underlying health issues should stay home. Masks should be worn outside of the home and remote working should continue wherever possible.
“It’s time to make sure we don’t punish our local stores and we begin to fortify again our main streets,” Garcetti said at a media briefing.
“This is guidance,” Garcetti added. “Reopen when you are ready.” Restaurants are still restricted to pick-up services, he said.
More details on reopenings: All Of L.A. County Stores Allowed To Reopen Today
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