West Hollywood Parks Close To Enforce Social Distancing Orders

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — All parks in West Hollywood are closed to the public beginning Friday and construction sites in the city need to follow new hygiene and sanitization rules in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

West Hollywood City Manager and Director of Emergency Services Paul Arevalo issued an emergency executive order Thursday night detailing the closure and new rules for construction sites.

The order was issued after the city received complaints that people were not practicing social distancing in parks and at construction sites in violation of federal, state, county and city directives.

"Failure to abide by public health directives is unsafe and dangerous in this unprecedented time of a worldwide health pandemic," West Hollywood Mayor John D'Amico said. "Health authorities warn that this week and the following week are expected to be critical weeks in terms of controlling spread of the virus. While construction is identified as an essential activity, the work must be done in a safe manner that is consistent with public health directives and guidance."

Construction sites must install hand washing facilities or hand sanitizer at entrances to project sites, unless the work is being done in an occupied building with operating restrooms.

Shared tools and equipment must be regularly sanitized and workers must adhere to social distancing regulations. Any worker who is sick or may have been in close contact with someone exposed to coronavirus will not be allowed on the work site.

All workers will be required to wear face coverings while on site and not gather in groups larger than three during breaks and must maintain a six- foot social distance during breaks and in any areas where workers are forced to stand together.

Deliveries of equipment or materials will also be minimized to allow for social distancing and trades will be staggered to maintain social distancing.

Non-essential businesses that have a supply of goods to slow the spread of the virus, including face coverings, hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes, will be allowed to conduct limited sales on the sidewalk "provided that the sales are conducted in a manner that is consistent with Los Angeles County Public Health Safer at Home Order," according to the emergency executive order.

The order also allows for the boarding up of windows to secure a business during closure, provided that the coverings are painted and secured to either the inside or outside of the window.

The order will remain in effect through at least June 30, 2020, but is subject to change depending on the evolution of the pandemic.

City News Service