Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Supervisor Barger Announces County Will Apply for Variance to Move Forward in Phased Reopening and Will Align with State’s Public Health Order

Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced that Los Angeles County has achieved necessary readiness criteria and will apply for a variance with the State of California tomorrow. If granted, the variance from the State public health order will allow Los Angeles County to advance further in Stage 2 and into Stage 3 of the State’s Roadmap to Recovery.

“Los Angeles County has dedicated critical resources to meet the benchmark criteria to support our efforts to reopen, including ensuring adequate hospital capacity, increasing access and availability of testing and contact tracing, and implementing protections for vulnerable populations,” said Supervisor Barger. “Regional data shows we have flattened the curve, indicating our readiness to move forward in phased recovery. This will put Los Angeles County on a level playing field with surrounding counties, which have already been granted variances.”

In addition, L.A. County will align with the Public Health Orders issued by the State to ensure consistency as the region progresses in reopening.

“Aligning Los Angeles County’s health orders with the State’s is going to provide immediate relief to our communities,” Supervisor Barger said. “This important step will give our residents and businesses clarity as we continue to take positive steps toward reopening Los Angeles County.”

These actions follow a series of phased reopening throughout Los Angeles County, including curbside retail, beaches, parks, trails and other open space. The County is moving toward additional phases in Stage 2 and into Stage 3 and will announce the immediate reopening of in-person shopping and houses of worship, and await the State’s clearance for re-opening in-person dining and personal care (hair salons and barbershops).

“I fully support these efforts in our expediency to reopen businesses, reunite loved ones, and revitalize our neighborhoods,” Supervisor Barger said.