By Ronald Penh
The city of Gardena updated their reopening guidelines on Monday, Oct. 26 as the city progresses through the fall season.
Under all circumstances of reopening, individuals are advised to practice physical distancing of at least six feet and to wear face coverings while in public or at private gatherings.
As of Oct. 14
Outdoor private gatherings that include individuals from different households must not have more than three different households at the same time. Gatherings also should not be more than two hours to limit the risk of transmission. The longer the duration, the higher the risk of transmission is.
People are also advised to follow physical distancing protocols and practice proper hand hygiene. Vulnerable individuals should avoid any gatherings.
According to a guidance on public gatherings from the California Department of Public Health, outdoor gatherings are significantly safer than indoor gatherings.
Individuals that have COVID-19-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, night sweats, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, muscle or body aches, headaches, confusion, or loss of sense of taste/smell), must stay home and not come into contact with anyone outside their household.
Singing, chanting, shouting, and physical exertion significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission because these activities increase the release of respiratory droplets and fine aerosols into the air, the guidance stated.
As a result, singing, chanting, and shouting are strongly discouraged. However, if it does occur, individuals that are singing, shouting, or chanting are recommended to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing.
As of Oct. 16
Libraries may reopen for indoor services at 25% maximum occupancy with adherence to physical distancing and infection control protocols
Symptom checks should be conducted before patrons enter the facility.
Books, movies, and single use-items may be offered, but game and toy loans should be limited
As of Oct. 19
Skateparks may reopen under the guidelines that individuals are practicing physical distancing of at least six feet and are wearing face masks.
No more than 12 people are allowed in a skatepark at one time and individuals must stay away from parks when they are sick or have any symptoms.
As of Oct. 23
Breweries and wineries that are defined as “non-restaurant” establishments by the LA County Department of Public Health may open for outdoor dining operations.
Personal care services such as Tanning salons, esthetician, skin care, cosmetology services, electrology, body art professionals, tattoo parlors, piercing shops and massage therapy businesses may open for indoor services with proper physical distancing and infection control protocols in place.
Employee and customer screenings must be conducted before entering the workspace.
In-school services for small groups of students (no more than 12 children) needing assessments or specialized services may open provided that the number of students on campus at one time does not exceed 25% of the total student body.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade programs can apply for waivers for in-person instruction in which schools with higher percentages of students that qualify for free or reduced meals have a higher prioritization.
Miniature golfing, batting cages, and Go Kart racing may reopen with proper physical distancing and infection protocols in place. Any food services must comply with LACDPH protocols for restaurants and all food and beverages must be ordered and picked-up outdoors.
For more information, you can contact Gardena’s Emergency Operations Center by phone at 310-217-9583 or by email at EOC@cityofgardena.org
As of Nov. 2, the city of Gardena has had a total of 1,363 confirmed cases and 54 confirmed deaths. For more information related to COVID-19, visit the website https://www.cityofgardena.org/coronavirus-covid-19/.
