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Health District CEO says physical distancing is working; urges residents to comply with Safer at Home Order to keep slowing COVID-19

AdventurePlex, A Best of the Beach winner for kids’ play facility, will remain closed through May 31 due to COVID-19.

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) Chief Executive Tom Bakaly announced today that the health district’s two public-facing facilities, the Center for Health & Fitness in Redondo Beach and AdventurePlex in Manhattan Beach, will remain closed until at least May 31 in a continued effort to slow the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The two facilities have been closed since March 14, the same time BCHD announced it was postponing or cancelling all in-person events, volunteer trainings, classes and public meetings due to COVID-19.

BCHD had previously said the two facilities would be closed until May 15, in accordance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) “Safer at Home” Health Officer Order. The Order prohibits all indoor and outdoor public and private gatherings and events; requires all businesses to cease in-person operations and remain closed to the public, unless defined as an Essential Business.

According to LACDPH Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, “COVID-19 is now the leading cause of death among L.A. County residents.”  “On average, 44 people are dying each day from COVID-19, significantly higher than the five people who die each day from the flu and 31 people who die from coronary heart disease.”

“Our top priority continues to be the health and well-being of Beach Cities residents and we continue to work with the State and the County and evaluate data to determine how and when to reopen our facilities,” said Bakaly. “As a preventive health agency with vulnerable populations on our campus, we will take a public health approach to determine when to reopen our facilities to the public including our Center for Health & Fitness, AdventurePlex and our administrative offices.”

While the Center for Health & Fitness and AdventurePlex are closed to the public, many employees from the facilities have been redeployed to provide online fitness and wellness opportunities; reassigned to assist with BCHD’s errand assistance program; answering the Assistance, Information & Referral line, and assisting at the L.A. County COVID-19 test site at the South Bay Galleria.

Safer at Home Health Order Still in Place; Beach Cities working on a recovery plan

Bakaly stressed that physical distancing is working in the Beach Cities. “What we are doing as a community is working, in that the number of cases in the Beach Cities is leveling. We are still in the urgent phase of this outbreak,” he said. “We need to see the number of cases go down for at least 14 days before the stabilization phase begins and we see gradual easing of restrictions on businesses and public gatherings. We need to continue being diligent by staying home and maintaining physical distance when we do need to be out and about.” The Beach Cities are working together to have a unified plan and response to gradually adjust physical distancing requirements based on direction from the State of California and Los Angeles County.

Some parks are open, but maintaining physical distancing is critical. “With more residents walking, biking and scooting, it’s important to remember we all share the responsibility to make streets safe for everyone by maintaining physical distancing.” 

Virtual Programming

Because of the closures, BCHD has developed virtual programming, fitness videos, kids’ activities, mental health information and more, available via their website at bchd.org. Some upcoming events:

• Families Connected Speaker Series (via Zoom), with pro surfer Alex Gray and local clinician Kevin Sousa, MFT. Thurs., April 30 from 6:30-8 p.m.
• Special BCHD Board of Directors Meeting re: COVID-19-related topics, Wed., May 6, 6:30 p.m.
• Families Connected Parent Chat, every Mon., 9:45 a.m.
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers, every Tues., 2:30 p.m.

COVID-19 Testing Site at South Bay Galleria

The L.A. County COVID-19 test facility at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach is now administering up to 500 scheduled tests each day. BCHD is working with the LACDPH, L.A. County Fire, the City of Redondo Beach and Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital to staff the site. Tests are available to L.A. County residents — visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/ for test requirements and to schedule appointments.

BCHD Services

BCHD continues to deliver services to older adult clients and provide case management. BCHD management has taken precautions to ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of the LACDPH recommendations to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19.  This includes washing hands frequently, physical distancing and the use of face coverings or masks. 

Health-related information and referrals:

During this time of heightened health concern, BCHD can offer help and support. For resident questions or concerns, please reach out to their Assistance, Information and Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 (Every day, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or email communications@bchd.org. Visit bchd.org/coronavirus for information about COVID-19 or bchd.org/resources to find assistance related to mental health and social-emotional health for youth and adults, support groups and emergency services.