County Confirms Some Businesses Opening on Friday

Although coronavirus cases and deaths continued to mount today, Los Angeles County officials confirmed that some “non- essential” retail businesses will be allowed to reopen Friday with curbside pickup only and other safety measures, as will trails and golf courses.

The order does not apply to Pasadena. City officials are expected to release a plan this week.

According to LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, businesses that will be allowed to reopen beginning Friday include florists, car dealers, toy stores, book stores, clothing retailers, sporting-goods stores and music shops.

“The health order will only allow curbside pickup for retail, and in-store shopping will still be on hold for the time being,” Barger said.
Car dealership showrooms will be allowed to reopen, but with strict physical-distancing and infection-control requirements,

County trails will also reopen, but people using them will have to wear face coverings and adhere to physical distancing requirements. “We will have county staff that will be deployed to prevent crowding on our trails,” Barger said.

Golf courses will also be allowed to open, but pro shops will remain closed, and golf course restaurants will be restricted to carry-out only.

“These are all in alignment with the governor’s orders,” Barger said. “Los Angeles County cannot be more lenient on which stores can reopen than the state dictates. This list is less about what products are sold and more about the ability to maintain social distancing.”

Specific reopening guidelines for various business sectors are expected to be posted on the county’s website before Friday so business owners can make proper arrangements, but in general they require measures to protect employees and customers.

“As a reminder, all of the businesses that will be reopening will open in a much modified way that allows for optimum physical distancing and infection-control practices,” said County Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

“Employers are also asked to do their part and please not open before all the requirements for safety are able to be met.”

Ferrer outlined a series of stage in which businesses will be permitted to reopen in the future, nothing that facilities such as museums, cultural centers and galleries are among those expected to be allowed to open soon.

Beaches, however, will remain closed, although Ferrer said a plan for reopening the coastline has been developed and could be implemented “in the very near future.”

Similar reopening plans have already been approved by the state for some Orange County beaches, allowing for “active uses” but not sunbathing, but Barger said “what’s best for other counties may not be what’s best” in L.A. County.