Holiday weekends usually come with officials urging people to be responsible, but instead of the usual drunk driving PSAs, officials are asking residents to avoid hanging out with people outside their household to avoid spreading COVID-19.

Labor Day weekend is the first holiday weekend since the beginning of the pandemic where officials haven’t shut down beaches and parks, opting instead to ask people to not hold or attend in-person gatherings. The state saw spikes in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations after the Memorial Day and July 4 holiday weekends, making officials worry about the upcoming weekend.

“There continues to be widespread transmission of the virus in LA County, which is why it is important not to gather with people who aren’t part of your household as it puts you at a greater risk for COVID-19,” county officials said in a news release. “It is still safest to stay at home and avoid gatherings, even if everyone present is taking precautions.”

The county gave a list of examples of activities that aren’t allowed: backyard barbecues with a group of friends, gathering at the beach with friends, baby showers and gender reveal parties, study groups and dinner with friends and family for the High Holidays.

The county also urged residents to be willing to change their plans if they get to a place and find it’s crowded. They reminded everyone to maintain physical distancing from people outside their household, wear masks in public, wash their hands frequently and sanitize surfaces.

Mayor Robert Garcia on Wednesday said the city would be “stepping up enforcement” of the health orders this weekend. A police department spokeswoman said this includes additional officers throughout the city providing a visible presence around parks, beaches and other areas people may gather.

The city’s COVID-19 Venue Task Force will also have additional staff and extended hours over the weekend to enforce the health order guidelines in business areas, city spokeswoman Chelsey Finegan said. They will also have coordinated teams including lifeguards, community ambassadors and recreation staff at beach and park parking lots and Park Rangers at El Dorado Park to discourage gatherings.

While health officials continue to see a decline in COVID-19 cases and case rates, the county’s transmission rate is still at 0.94, meaning any changes in behavior could result in an increase in cases. Long Beach officials reported 37 new cases and 50 backlogged cases on Thursday, as well as one new death. Countywide, officials reported 1,193 new cases, 61 new deaths and 1,062 people hospitalized.

City COVID-19 testing sites and the Rapid Assessment Center will be closed on Monday, as well as park offices and swimming pools and most city departments.

Street sweeping will also be on hold, but trash and recycling will be collected as usual. Parking meters will also be enforced, unless the sign says “exempt on holidays,” and towing operations and vehicle storage facility will be closed.

Library contactless pick-up will be closed on Saturday in observance of the holiday.

A full list of Labor Day closures provided by the city of Long Beach is below:

Open on Monday, Sept. 7:

  • Fire Stations and Lifeguard Stations
  • El Dorado Regional Park* (for active recreation use only; no gatherings or group sports permitted)
  • Main Police Station Front Desk
  • Marina offices (Alamitos Bay Marina, Shoreline Marina)*
  • Refuse and Recycling Collection (offices will be closed but refuse and recycling will be collected as usual)
  • Gas Services Dispatch is open 24/7 for emergency calls 562.570.2140
  • Water/Sewer Dispatch is open 24/7 for emergency calls 562.570.2390

Closed on Monday, Sept. 7:

  • City-run COVID-19 test sites and the Rapid Assessment Clinic
  • Community COVID-19 Hotline (562.570.INFO), Business Hotline (562.570.4BIZ)
  • Animal Care Services and spcaLA*
  • Career Transition Center*
  • Center for Working Families*
  • City Hall*
  • Citizen Police Complaint Commission
  • Code Enforcement services (Venue Task Force will continue to operate throughout the weekend)
  • El Dorado Nature Center
  • Energy Resources
  • Fire Headquarters, Support Services, Fire Prevention, & Operations, including Marine Safety Administration
  • Health Department and Health facilities
  • Housing Authority
  • Neighborhood Resource Center*
  • The WorkPlace, Youth Opportunity Center & Pacific Gateway Administrative Office*
  • Park offices and community park facilities*
  • Street Sweeping
  • Swimming Pools
  • Towing and Lien Sales
  • Water Department (Water or Sewer Emergencies: 562.570.2390)

*Indicates city facilities and services currently operating under modified operations until further notice as a result of COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions.

Valerie Osier is the Social Media & Newsletter Manager for the Long Beach Post. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ValerieOsier