PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Today, the City of Long Beach announced additional retail, golf, and trails will reopen with restrictions on Friday, May 8. Additional recreational opportunities will open Monday, May 11.

“Our reopening decisions are based on the best public health advice and data indicators that show hospitalizations flattening and capacity at our hospitals,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We are hopeful that residents will enjoy more recreation and that this brings some relief to our small businesses.”

The City of Long Beach continues to track below Los Angeles County in COVID-19 infections and fatalities. The City has ample hospital capacity whereas about 50% of beds are available on any given day. The City also has secured more than 225 ventilators, and at any given time, 70% of these ventilators remain available for emergent use. These factors, in addition to robust testing, will allow some additional retail and recreational areas to open in the coming days.

Changes will be closely monitored, with physical distancing remaining a primary concern.

Effective on May 8, 2020 with proper sanitation and physical distancing protocols in place prior to operation:

• The following businesses may operate for curbside pickup or delivery only. Businesses that provide:
  • Flowers
  • Toys
  • Music
  • Books
  • Clothing
  • Sporting goods
• Golf courses may operate. Golf carts are permitted so long as the golf carts are cleaned with disinfectant qualified for use against COVID-19 between uses. Concession stands and restaurants located at a golf course may operate for take-out only. (The operation of retail shops at golf courses is not allowed.)
• Public trails and trailheads (DeForest Wetlands, Nature Center and Willow Springs) will be open, provided that individuals engage in physical distancing measures including wearing a face covering while in close contact with other people. Face coverings are not required while engaging in physically distanced exercise. (Parking lots with access to trailheads will be open to facilitate access to trails only.)
• Car dealership showrooms open for sales with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols.

For more information or guidance, business owners or workers can call 562.570.4BIZ (4249).

Effective on May 11, 2020, the following locations will open to the public, provided physical distancing measures are strictly adhered to:

• Tennis courts, so long as proper sanitation and physical distancing protocols are in place prior to operation
• Archery
• Disc golf
• Bike and pedestrian paths along the sanded portion of the beach
• Park parking lots (Beaches remain closed, as do beach parking lots) 

In the coming days, an additional Health Order will be issued to provide further direction and clarification on how each sector will be allowed to safely open in alignment with the “Safer at Home” orders. 

A note about City Parks on Mother’s Day
Although City sports facilities and beaches have been closed since late March, parks have been open for passive uses such as walking and biking. Because Mother’s Day typically attracts large gatherings at public parks, City officials wish to remind park visitors that on Sunday, May 10, the park will only be open for passive use only. Gatherings and picnicking will not be allowed in the parks or parking spaces.

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 its residents safe, visit: longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.