The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health intends to revise the Health Officer Order to allow the reopening of outdoor playgrounds next week along with other businesses like nail salons and shopping malls.
Nail Salons were allowed to resume indoor service at 25% occupancy last week, according to Public Health officials, who said Thursday they intend to allow more sectors to begin reopening after this weekend.
Applications for the Schools (TK-2) Waiver Program can be submitted beginning Monday, Oct. 5, which is when cardrooms can also resume outdoor operations. Indoor shopping malls are expected to make a return a few days later on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with occupancy limited to 25% capacity and no food courts.
Outside playgrounds have yet to receive an official reopening date because the decision is at the discretion of cities and Los Angeles County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, according to health officials. But City spokesperson Constance Farrell said the City of Santa Monica is preparing for the safe reopening of playgrounds — with most anticipated next week.
“We look forward to welcoming families back to these beloved public spaces and equipping visitors with health guidelines for a safe and fun experience. Location details and guidelines will be shared next week,” Farrell said.
In May, the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica-Malibu School District announced their commitment to continue the Playground Partnership program, which prompted SMMUSD to open three elementary school sites for field and schoolyard access on weekday afternoons and on weekends. The City then began permitting City fields for youth sports access on September 8, and officials said they expect all six Playground Partnership sites to be available on weekends, district holidays, school breaks, and during the summer when on-campus learning resumes.
“We are excited that school is back in session, but we know it comes with unique challenges for our children and families this year,” Interim City Manager Lane Dilg said earlier in September. “Now that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has cleared field use for certain activities, we hope our continued partnership with SMMUSD will provide the Santa Monica community much-needed access to outdoor recreation as we look together for ways for children to stay active during distance learning.”
