Changes Require Strict COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services will issue an updated Health Order allowing for private gatherings consisting of no more than three households in accordance with protocols to control the spread of COVID-19. The changes are effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and are in alignment with the State and County of Los Angeles guidelines.

An overview of changes is below.

ATTENDANCE

• Allows private gatherings of up to three households; gatherings that include more than three households, including hosts and guests, continue to be prohibited.
• The up-to-three households that choose to privately gather or interact together must remain constant or stable over time.
• Persons from the households who do choose to privately gather together should discuss and agree upon rules for reducing the risk of exposure among attendees.
• The host household of the private gathering should collect names and contact information for all attendees in the event that contact tracing may be needed later.

OUTDOORS ONLY

• All private gatherings must be held outside. Indoor gatherings are prohibited.
• Private gatherings may occur in outdoor spaces that are covered by umbrellas, canopies, roofs and other shade structures provided that at least 75% of the space is open to outdoors
• Multiple private gatherings of three households may not be organized or coordinated to occur in the same outdoor space at the same time.

KEEP IT SHORT

• Private gatherings should be limited to two hours or less in duration.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND HAND HYGIENE 

• All attendees must wear a face covering at all times, unless eating or drinking, and must follow six-foot physical distancing guidelines and adhere to proper hand hygiene.

SINGING, CHANTING AND SHOUTING AT OUTDOOR GATHERINGS

• Singing, chanting, shouting and physical exertion are discouraged as these activities release respiratory droplets into the air.
• Anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a private gathering must notify the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Servicesas well as other attendees as soon as possible.

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. It is effective as of October 15 and will continue until it is extended, rescinded or amended in writing by the Health Officer.