Long Beach and other parts of Los Angeles County are slowly reopening more businesses after the state granted a variance Friday that allows more freedom from stay-at-home orders.
The county, the largest in the state, has been slower to reopen than other parts of the state, but data submitted late Wednesday was sufficient to allow an expanded list of allowed activities.
Long Beach’s health officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, issued a new health order late Friday that now allows the following activities:
- Dining inside restaurants. Establishments must meet a list of requirements, including: limiting seating to 60% capacity; encouraging reservations; customers will be asked to wait for their table in their cars or outside the restaurant; diners must wear face coverings when not eating; servers must wear face coverings and a face shield; bar areas are closed.
- Stylists and barbers are now allowed reopen, with the following measures in place: everyone must wear face coverings; magazines, coffee and other amenities are not allowed; clients are encouraged to use credit cards or contact-less payment methods; stylists can only serve one client at a time; and gathering in waiting areas is prohibited.
What was opened earlier:
- All retailers are allowed to reopen for in-person shopping, including shopping centers and malls. They must maintain physical distancing and keep the store at no more than 50% occupancy.
- In-person services at churches and other houses of worship are immediately allowed to resume—at 25% capacity only or a maximum of 100 people, whatever is smaller. See more of the state’s guidance here.
- Office-based businesses (although telework is still recommended)
- Drive-in movie theaters can resume operations, but with distancing between vehicles.
- Community pools in apartment complexes and homeowners associations can reopen.
- Most recreation: Beaches for active uses, trails and bike paths, dog parks, tennis courts
For a full list, go here.
What’s still closed
- Some services, like nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and fitness studios
- Bars, wineries, tasting rooms and lounges (unless they offer meals)
- Movie theaters, gaming, gambling, arcade venues, pro sports, indoor museums, gallery spaces and zoos
- Community centers, public pools, playgrounds and picnic areas
- Cultural ceremonies
- Nightclubs
- Concert venues
- Sports with live audiences
- Festivals
- Theme parks
- Hotels and lodging for leisure and tourism