Half Moon Bay Beach, Other Rules Relaxed; Social Distancing Remains

Press release from the City of Half Moon Bay California:

May 29, 2020

The San Mateo County Health Officer issued a revised Public Health Order today (May 29, 2020) which reduces regulations on access to certain beaches...

The San Mateo County Health Officer issued a revised Public Health Order today (May 29, 2020) which reduces regulations on access to certain beaches and allows certain additional businesses/activities to resume operations, subject to guidelines. Please visit the San Mateo County Health website for the new set of health orders and other information.

Please note that social distancing regulations are still in place. Be safe, follow the protocols, and continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.

As noted in yesterday’s Special eNews, parking lots and restrooms at both City and State beaches in Half Moon Bay will be open beginning tomorrow. In general, the restrictions on the use of beaches are removed. This means certain elements of the former order (that beaches are to be used only for running, walking, cycling, water sports, or other physical activity, with no umbrellas, shade structures, tents, BBQs, grills, coolers, chairs, hammocks, etc.) are rescinded. Further, the previous order’s 11 am to 5 pm restriction to accessing beaches only from local residences is also removed. This portion of the order is effective immediately.

PLEASE NOTE that while parking lots and restrooms at State beaches will open tomorrow, they are currently maintaining a restriction on the use of the beach equipment noted above.

The new order states that effective June 1, 2020, certain additional businesses and activities may resume, with strict guidelines and social distancing requirements. These additional businesses are:

• Retail Stores and Retail Supply Chains (must provide pick-up/delivery if possible; if not, then with strict guidelines on in-store shopping)
• Pet grooming, dog walking, car washes, appliance repair, residential and janitorial cleaning, and plumbing (with guidelines)
• Outdoor museums (face coverings required; indoor portions closed)
• Offices where telework is not possible (face coverings, and with other guidelines)
• Places of worship (25% capacity, or 100 people, whichever is lower; with other strict guidelines)
• Indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor recreation areas, outdoor shared recreation areas (with many guidelines; note playgrounds, dog parks, etc. still not allowed)
• Car parades (with guidelines)
• Protest gatherings (with guidelines)

The County Health Officer has issued this order relaxing certain regulations due to the progress achieved in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in San Mateo County and neighboring counties, and within the guidance provided by the State of California. The collective efforts taken to date regarding this public health emergency have slowed the virus’ trajectory, but the emergency and the attendant risk to public health remain significant.

• Please make special note of what has NOT changed:
• Maintain six feet of distance between people who are not part of your household unit
• Public and private gatherings of any size with people outside of your household are prohibited, except for the activities expressly permitted in the order
• Face coverings still required in public; they are recommended for outdoor recreation, but are required if six feet of distance cannot be maintained between people not from the same household
• Only leave your residence for the allowed activities, and strictly maintain social distancing guidelines and face covering requirements when participating in the allowed activities
• All businesses, unless expressly permitted, are required to remain closed, and those which are allowed should maximize work from home
• Essential businesses, outdoor businesses, and additional businesses may only assign personnel who cannot perform their job duties from home
• Allowed businesses and construction must still post the special protocol notices and follow all relevant guidelines

This press release was produced by the City of Half Moon Bay California. The views expressed here are the author’s own.