Restaurants in Los Angeles County had barely been told they could reopen their doors before they were slammed shut again. Late last week, the county as well as the City of Los Angeles released detailed guidelines outlining how restaurants could again provide dine-in service after being shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. (And after restaurants had been reopened in other counties, including Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange County, which all met health and safety criteria.)
Then, of course, rolling county-wide curfews were implemented in response to the looting and vandalism that sadly spilled out of the protests sparked by the horrific death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd. Whenever the curfews are lifted, here are a few of the modifications L.A. restaurants are required to implement:
- All employees who have contact with the public — as well as other employees during their shifts — must be provided a cloth face covering. Employees must wear them at all times during the workday.
- Symptom checks need to be administered before workers enter the business. COVID-19 symptoms include coughing, trouble breathing and fever.
- The maximum indoor seating capacity should be limited to 60 percent.
- When providing service to customers who are not wearing face coverings, the wait staff and other workers are required to don face shields in addition to their cloth face coverings. The face shields are to be provided by the restaurant.
- Live music and other entertainment are not permitted.
In a news conference, Mayor Eric Garcetti said restaurants in the city should focus on providing outdoor dining and curbside pickup. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, many chefs and restaurant owners were surprised by news of the reopening, with each business left to consider when or if to reopen. Also on the minds of restaurateurs is the chance a resurgence in COVID-19 cases results in another mandated shutdown.