County Issues Updated Health Officer Order,
Additional Activities Allowed to Resume

Allowed activities in this updated order include in-person religious services, in-store shopping at indoor and outdoor retail centers, and going to drive-in movie theaters, flea markets and swap meets.

While this easing of restrictions is a step toward reopening Los Angeles County, the updated order, which does not have an expiration date, continues to encourage individuals to continue to remain in the homes as much possible and with close contact with non-household members both indoor and outdoor. Also, practicing physical distancing, wearing face coverings and following other safety protocols continue to be mandatory to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Because neither a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 or antiviral medicine to treat the virus is available, the County Health Department continues to encourage older adults (age 65 and older) and those with underlying health conditions to remain home as much as possible. People in these categories should only leave their homes to seek medical care, exercise, or obtain food or other necessities.

What the Updated Health Officer Order Allows

• Faith-based organizations may resume services, with the number of congregants limited to less than 25% of the building’s capacity, or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower
• All retail, including those located in indoor and outdoor retail shopping centers may now open for business at 50% capacity
• Flea markets, swap meets and drive-in movie theaters may resume operations
• Pools, hot tubs and saunas that are in a multi-unit residence or part of a homeowners’ association may now open
• In-person protests are permitted as long as attendance is limited to 25% of the area’s maximum occupancy, or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.

• Public piers
• Bars and nightclubs
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Bowling alleys and arcades
• Indoor museums, gallery spaces, and zoos
• Indoor and outdoor playgrounds for children, except those located within a childcare center
• Personal care establishments, including nail salons, hair salons, massage and body art shop
• Movie theaters, performance theaters, concert halls and venues, stadiums, gaming facilities and theme parks
• Community centers, including public pools (pools, hot tubs and saunas in a multi-unit residence of part of a Homeowners’ Association are exempted)

Also prohibited are gatherings of people not from the same household with exception of faith-based services and in-person protests.

Reopening Protocols

Prior to reopening, businesses must prepare, implement and post the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Reopening Protocols available online and tailored to the business type and location.