PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - On March 28, 2020, the City of Long Beach issued amendments to the existing “Safer at Home” Order issued by the City of Long Beach Health Officer on March 24, 2020, in an effort to further reduce the spread of COVID-19. The amendments provide additional and clarifying information on the closure of all public beaches, public trails, and trailheads within the City of Long Beach. The amendments also impose limitations on, and extends the closure of, certain businesses required by the Health Officer’s Order. Open park space and park pathways may still be utilized by individuals for personal health and wellness purposes, if appropriate social distancing measures are taken.

“We are at a pivotal point in this public health crisis, therefore it is critical that we maintain safe social distances and do everything possible to reduce the risk of infection in our community,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.

Beach and public facility closures are extended to May 1, 2020, while closures and limitations to businesses are in effect until April 19, 2020 or until further notice. A summary of what has changed in the order is outlined below:

Essential Businesses must make every effort to ensure social distancing among employees, which includes:

• Allowing telecommuting, video or phone meetings, staggering schedules so less people are at work at one time, separating employees by six feet.
• Limiting meetings or gatherings of any sort, especially in locations where employees could interact or come in contact with any member of the public. 
  • This includes limiting or eliminating (1) employees from traveling in vehicles together and/or (2) the need for employees to physically work in teams of two or more. 
  • If meetings or gatherings are absolutely necessary, Essential Businesses must maintain social distancing to the extent practicable.

Facilities that must close and are now closed:

• All public beaches, trails, trailheads, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, golf courses, dog parks, playgrounds, skate parks, public park and public beach parking lots, and picnic areas.
• Private gyms in multifamily housing complexes, such as in condominium and apartment complexes.

Businesses no longer considered “essential”:

• Businesses that sell exclusively personal care products (e.g. beauty supply)

Limitations on Essential Businesses:

• Death care services are limited to the removal, care, preparation, and burial of deceased persons or animals. Funerals are not permitted.
• Painting services are only permitted if (1) the purpose of painting is to sell or lease new residences, (2) the painting is necessary to maintain the safety or habitability of residences or businesses, or (3) the painting is due to new construction.

Additional Restrictions:

• Licensed Medical Cannabis Dispensaries can temporarily do curbside pickup under the following conditions:
  • Payment for cannabis and/or cannabis products must be made in advance of the curbside pickup.
  • Patients must submit proof of a valid government-issued identification and the patient’s medical identification card prior to the curbside pickup.
  • Upon pickup, the medical dispensary must verify that the identification of the patient is the same person who ordered curbside pickup via the presentation of a valid government-issued identification.
  • Products must be delivered to patients in opaque packaging.
  • Uniformed and licensed security personnel must be present during all curbside pickup transactions.
  • All other local and State laws, regulations, and lawful orders are adhered to.

Enforcement:

• The City now can issue administrative citations against businesses operating in violation of the “Safer at Home” Order.
• The Water Department, in consultation with the City Attorney, may shut off water service to non-essential businesses operating in violation of the order, as appropriate.

This action was put in place by the City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis, and in accordance with the Emergency Powers granted to the City Manager through the Proclamation of Local Emergency.

For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit: longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.