'Safe in the South Bay' Program to Assist Businesses and Restaurants
Jul 01, 2020 10:47PM ● By Mb News Staff
A new program in four South Bay cities will assist businesses and restaurants with COVID-19 protocols and compliance as they work to reopen in a manner that is safe for both employees and customers.
The “Safe in the South Bay” program has been created for restaurants and businesses in El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. The Chambers of Commerce from those cities have partnered with Beach Cities Health District Office to provide health guidance and a self-certification process related to Los Angeles County’s Safer at Work and in the Community Health OfficerOrder.
“The actions of residents and our local businesses will determine how long COVID-19 will impact our community," said Tom Bakaly, CEO of BCHD. "My hope is this program will act as a reminder to businesses and consumers of the health actions necessary to allow these businesses to reopen while we’re still dealing with the pandemic.”
Los Angeles County indicated that over the weekends of May 30, June 6
and June 13, public health inspectors visited 3,751 establishments, and
provided reopening assistance and information to 3,109 (83%) who were
not in compliance with reopening protocols. Safe in the South Bay is
aimed at supporting and ensuring that businesses are aware of the proper
protocols to reopen safely and contributing to the road to economic
recovery.
The Safe in the South Bay program is open to all businesses in the four participating cities. To participate, businesses will need to self-certify that they are following the Los Angeles County
reopening protocols, which include:
• Enforcing use of face coverings for employees and customers
• Practicing physical distancing of at least six feet
• Enacting temperature/symptom checks for employees and customers
• Conducting regular cleanings and frequent disinfection
• Providing hand sanitizer for employees and customers
• Limiting amount of contact required at point of purchase
• Posting a copy of the Los Angeles County reopening protocol at the business’ entrance and
distribute copies to employees
Each business must also fill out the Safe in the South Bay pledge. Businesses can access the Safe in the South Bay pledge at each Chamber’s website. They will fill out a pledge and can display the Safe in the South Bay seal at the entrance of their business.
The Safe in the South Bay seal is a way for consumers to easily identify businesses who have, in good faith, completed the self-certification process to reopen.
All businesses in the county need to plan, implement and post the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s reopening protocol in accordance with the Health Officer Order.
“Our local businesses want to do the right thing and the goal of Safe in the South Bay is to instill consumer confidence during this pandemic,” said Kelly Stroman, President and CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses are following all the rules to keep their employees and customers as safe as possible as they reopen.”
Businesses looking to participate in the Safe in the South Bay program should contact their city’s Chamber of Commerce.
