Hair Salons and Barbershops Can Reopen and Restaurants Can Open Dining Areas

The State today, May 29, 2020, approved the County's request for a variance to allow hair salons and barbershops to resume operations and restaurants to restore in-person dining with safeguards in place.

Approval of this variance was possible because the County was able to demonstrate that individuals were following infection control measures to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and that there was an appropriate level of hospital testing and contract tracing capacity to respond to this ongoing outbreak.

However, because the threat of COVID-19 is still existent, individuals must continue to practice physical distancing, wear cloth face coverings and follow public health guidelines. Should the county's rate of infection rise to unsafe numbers, the County Department of Public Health can again scale back or close reopened sectors.

Key, specific guidelines for customers at hair salons, barbershops and in-person restaurant dining are below:

Barbershops and Hair Salons

• Physical distancing measures will be in place.
• Employees and customers will be screened for symptoms, including cough and fever. Clients feeling unwell should reschedule their appointment.
• Everyone, including clients, must wear cloth face coverings while in the salon or barber shop and clients are encouraged to wear face coverings with ear loops to ensure the face covering does not interfere with the hair service.
• Magazines, coffee and other amenities will not be available.
• Clients are encouraged to use credit cards and contactless payment systems. If electronic or card payment is not possible, customers should come with exact cash payment or check, if available.
• Stylists may only serve one client at a time.

In-Person Dining in Restaurants

• Physical distancing measures will be in place.
• Employees and customers will be screened for symptoms, including cough and fever. Patrons feeling unwell should not eat at a restaurant.
• Outdoor seating and curbside pickup are prioritized.
• Reservations will be encouraged.
• Customers will be asked to wait for their table in their cars or outside the restaurant to prevent crowds from gathering.
• Diners must wear cloth face coverings when not eating.
• Bar areas will be closed.
• Occupancy capacity will be limited to 60 percent for the next three weeks.

Adherence to Protocols Required Prior to Opening

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.

Safer at Home and in the Community Health Order

As a reminder, Los Angeles County is under a Safer at Work and in the Community Order and public and private gatherings of people outside of a single household unit are not permitted except for public protests and faith-based services, which are permitted to operate with limits on the number of participants.

Still closed are:

• Nail salons, spa services (including massage, facials and waxing).
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Beach piers
• Indoor entertainment venues including arcades, bowling alleys, movie theaters, live performance theaters, concert halls, stadiums, arenas, theme parks, gaming facilities and festivals
• Indoor museums, galleries and zoos

Updated List of What's Open & Closed in L.A. County