Courtesy LA County.

County officials said today that they will allow the reopening of trails, golf courses and several types of retail businesses on Friday, following the governor’s announcement earlier in the week that jurisdictions could permit this with certain safety precautions in place.

Businesses in the first phase of reopening include golf courses, florists, car dealers and retail operations that sell toys, books, clothing, sporting goods and music, Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, announced.

In-store shopping will not be allowed; only curbside pickup.

Wednesday’s announcement does not yet apply to beaches. Officials said a plan is being developed that will likely be implemented “in the very near future” to allow for some use of the county coastline.

“Our residents and businesses have been incredibly gracious, and I know this has not been easy for any of you,” Barger said in reference to the wide-ranging stay-at-home orders put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

At this point, the announcement does not apply to Long Beach, which sets its own rules because it has its own health department. But the city has often swiftly followed the county’s example in what’s allowed.

Mayor Robert Garcia will hold a media briefing at 3 p.m.

Long Beach and other cities and counties across the state ordered the closure of most businesses in mid March. The stay-at-home order issued then was extended through at least May 15, meaning residents can only go out for essential activities such as grocery shopping and medical orders.

The reopenings across LA County will come with restrictions, according to county public health director Barbara Ferrer.

People must continue abiding by social distancing guidelines when they go out because COVID-19 continues to spread, she said.

On Wednesday alone, she announced 851 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 28,644. Another 55 people died, bringing the death toll to 1,367.

 

Melissa Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of the Long Beach Post and Long Beach Business Journal. Reach her at [email protected], @melissaevansLBP or 562-512-6354.