A couple of weeks ago, we informed you that all Southern California counties are now in the State’s most restrictive Purple Tier and we provided you a summary of the Purple Tier Restrictions which you can review by clicking here.

Any County has the right to impose restrictions that are more stringent than those of the State, and the County of Los Angeles Health Officer just issued a new Temporary Order that is far stricter than the State’s Purple Tier Restrictions.  Here is a summary of the new restrictions of Los Angeles County, which took effect on November 30, 2020 and will remain in effect until at least December 20, 2020.  

Gyms: All gyms and fitness facilities may only open for outdoor operations, and only at 50% maximum outdoor capacity.  All indoor fitness facilities must remain closed.  The operator of any outdoor fitness facility must also prepare, implement and post the County’s required “Public Health Protocol for Gyms and Fitness Establishments.”    This is in addition to complying with the State’s “COVID 19 INDUSTRY GUIDANCE: Fitness Facilities.”

Pools:  All outdoor and indoor swimming pools that serve members from more than one household must close.  The only exception to this is outdoor pools that offer regulated lap swimming (one swimmer per lane).  HOA Pools may not operate for recreational swimming or family use.   Please note that this is more restrictive than the State’s Purple Tier, which allows outdoor pools to operate. 

Hot Tubs: All hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas (except for a private dwelling) must close.

Playgrounds: All playgrounds in a homeowner association or public park must close.

Clubhouses and Restaurants and Bars: Los Angeles County is now prohibiting both indoor and outdoor dining.  Restaurants may only offer food for delivery, drive-thru, or carry out between the hours of 10pm and 5am.  If your community offers take-out dining, they must comply with LA County’s “Public Health Protocols for Restaurants” and the State’s “COVID-19 INDUSTRY GUIDANCE: Restaurants” protocols.

Onsite Management: The County of LA continues to encourage “all persons who can telework or work from home … continue to do so as much as possible.”   Association managers are essential, but such office-based business must limit indoor capacity to 25% of maximum occupancy

Again, the restrictions summarized above only apply in Los Angeles County.  For a summary of the Purple Tier restrictions that currently apply in Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, please click here.

Community Legal Advisors Inc.

Michael J. Alti, Esq.