Los Angeles On Track to ‘Fully Reopen’ on June 15th, Health Officials Say
After announcing in early April that California would 'fully reopen' on June 15th if health conditions continued to improve, state health officials confirmed on Friday that the state is on course to ease virtually all COVID-19 health restrictions on June 15th.
Though each local government has the jurisdiction to impose tougher COVID-19 health orders, Los Angeles County has also announced that they will fully align with California's plans that ease many capacity limits and distancing requirements.
Furthermore, the County will also adopt the CDC's masking guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
According to recent data from the California Department of Public Health, over 36 million vaccine doses have been administered statewide. In the same vein, COVID-19 hospitalization rates are at the lowest they've been since the beginning of the pandemic.
This represents an important milestone in our COVID-19 re-opening journey. As health restrictions are lifted, small businesses will continue to greatly benefit from renewed capacity levels.
What restrictions will be lifted when the state reopens?
- No limits on capacity throughout California.
- Most establishments will no longer be required to impose physical distancing restrictions, with some limitations on 'mega events', as explained below.
- Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear face masks - except when traveling or on public transportation.
It's important to note that although most health restrictions will be lifted, California will continue to maintain some limitations on 'mega events'.
- Indoor events with more than 5,000 people will require verification of fully vaccinated status, or a negative test result 72 hours prior to the event.
- Outdoor mega events with more than 10,000 people will be recommended to follow the same guidelines
The requirements for negative testings and vaccine verification will be in place through June 15, 2021 and October 1, 2021. State health officials will re-assess conditions by September 1st to determine whether updated requirements are needed after October 1st.
Moreover, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to meet on June 3rd to determine if looser standards in the workplace will be implemented. Possible changes include easing mask and social distancing mandates for employees in the workplace if all personnel have been vaccinated.
Without a doubt, this is incredible news for property owners and tenants alike. Although commercial office space has been one of the most safest industries in preventing the spread of COVID-19, office space has remained closed for the duration of the pandemic. However, offices could expect to return to normal operations starting June 15th.
