Los Angeles County health officials say they are going to wait before making decisions about shutting down beaches for Labor Day.
When asked if the county would shut down beaches like they did for Memorial Day, county health director Barbara Ferrer said the department would work with cities to see if people are following current guidelines for beaches.
“We’re hopeful that everyone will, again, take all the precautions you need,” Ferrer said. “This is not a party time, this is not a party scene, if the beaches get overcrowded, we’ll have to take action like you’ve seen us take before.”
Christina Ghaly, county health services director, asked residents to not let their guard down as case rates decline. She noted the growth rate is still close to 1 at 0.92, meaning that on average, every 10 infected people pass the virus on to nine others.
Any changes in behavior could drastically affect infection rates, officials said.
Ferrer reported 1,642 new cases in the county Wednesday as Long Beach officials reported 34 new cases. Hospitalizations are also gradually decreasing, which is a critical indicator in considerations for reopening. City officials reported 74 Long Beach residents are hospitalized. That number was at 91 at the beginning of August.
The county reported 58 new deaths Wednesday, making a total of 5,663 deaths. In Long Beach, officials reported one new death for a total of 209.
The county health department is still reviewing changes in state guidelines for the elementary school reopening waiver process, Ferrer said. The county is not yet ready to open the waiver process and wants to see the case rate remain below 200—which the county hit two days ago—for a longer period of time.
Ferrer also urged residents participating in recent protests to heed health order guidelines: stay home if you’re sick, wear a mask and eye protection and physically distance.
Officials also announced a fourth round of grants from the LA Regional Recovery Fund that will launch on Aug. 31. The county will be distributing a total of $3.2 million.
Micro-entreprenuers, small businesses and non-profits can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, county supervisor Hilda Solis said.