A second death from the COVID-19 Coronavirus has been reported in Manhattan Beach by the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The county did not release further details about the death. 

To date, there have been 68 individuals diagnosed with the coronavirus in Manhattan Beach. Some of those individuals have since recovered. (For reference, the population of Manhattan Beach is 36,000.)

"This pandemic has brought heartache to many families, and to those who are grieving loved ones who have passed away from COVID-19, we are so sorry, and we wish you healing and peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health, in a statement. “Public Health is prioritizing closing disparities and protecting people who are at greater risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19. As some businesses begin to slowly reopen, we need to double down on all efforts to protect those who are disproportionally affected by the virus. Please continue to do your part to protect yourself and others from becoming infected with COVID-19 by practicing physical distancing, wearing a cloth face covering and frequently washing your hands. We all share in the responsibility for a safe recovery journey, so continue to work together, do our part and take care of each other.”

The LADPH has issued a five-stage roadmap to recovery that describes a phased approach to slowly relaxing select directives of the Safer at Home Order and a reopening process for certain business sectors. Phase two began on Friday and allows florists and some retailers to offer curbside pickup only. Car dealership showrooms can reopen with appropriate physical distancing and infection control measures. Trails and golf courses can also open, but pro shops will remain closed and everyone using them must adhere to physical distancing and use cloth face coverings. Later next week, additional restrictions may be lifted to include other retailers, manufacturers, and recreational facilities.

The next three stages include the potential opening in phases to include higher-risk institutions and businesses such as movie theaters, schools, colleges and universities, followed later by conventions and spectator events, and finally to normal operations for all sectors. Each sector will have required protocols for safe reopening.

Until phase five is reached. Health Officer Orders and directives will continue to work to slow the spread of COVID-19 to prevent an overwhelming surge of COVID-19 cases at healthcare facilities. People who have underlying health conditions will still be at much greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, so the county continues to urge vulnerable residents to stay at home as much as possible, to have groceries and medicine delivered, and to call their providers immediately if they have even mild symptoms.

The city of Manhattan Beach has a plan to re-open the grassy areas of Live Oak Park and Sand Dune Park this weekend. Polliwog Park has been re-opened for nearly two weeks.

The city will continue to monitor and evaluate the conduct and behavior of park visitors, their willingness to exhibit safe practices, and coronavirus trends in the community. The city may adjust openings and closures based on such information.