Torrance Continues Efforts Toward Safe Reopening of Businesses Including Reopening the Permit Center and Subsidizing Fees Associated With COVID-19 Safeguards

TORRANCE, Calif., May 27, 2020- At the Special Torrance City Council Meeting of May 26, City Officials discussed actions to be taken in response to the Los Angeles County and State of California Orders regarding COVID-19. As the City plans for recovery and the gradual phasing out of the orders, Torrance has taken steps to support local businesses and work diligently with the State of California and County of Los Angeles to safely allow them to reopen as soon as possible.

As a result of City Council making direct contact with local leaders, certain orders were lifted allowing more businesses to reopen at 50% capacity and places of worship to commence with certain safeguards including 25% of attendees and 100 person capacity.  The Council will also continue to encourage the State of California and County of Los Angeles to allow in-person dining as well as reopening personal services such as hair salons, barbers, and nail salons as soon as possible. 

In addition, the May 26, Item 4A motion that passed included thanking the Governor for releasing new guidelines on opening up retail and places of worship and thanking the Health Officer of Los Angeles County for releasing their updated Safer at Home Order this evening.  The Council will continue to receive COVID-19 recovery related updates and may consider other options for responding to State and County order at the June 2 meeting.

As part of their efforts, at the May 19 City Council Meeting, Mayor and Council committed to contacting the California Governor and County Supervisors to encourage opportunities for areas like Torrance, that were prepared to re-open certain businesses and activities.  They also passed a motion to allow the City’s Office of Economic Development to cover filing costs associated with proposals for expanded exterior arrangements.  This assistance will grant temporary permits for approved outdoor dining and curbside pick-up plans at no cost to business owners, which would allow them to comply with regulations associated with Safer at Home Orders. In addition, the City’s Permit Center will reopen tomorrow, May 28 with special safeguards in place including:

• Floor decal designs intended to maintain internal social distancing once in the permit center
• Protective sneeze guards at workstations
• Reduced occupancy
• Check- in system for customers to seek service using a QR Code without entering the building, so that they can easily wait in their vehicle until their turn 
• Hand sanitizing stations
• A contactless check-in station at the entry as a third option at the triage desk, for those not using QR Code Check-in and
• ·A focused entry and internal circulation design to allow one-way in and a dedicated exit in order to minimize potential transmission amongst the customers
  

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For more information about Torrance’s COVID-19 efforts and latest Safer at Home Orders issued by LA County visit www.TorranceCA.Gov/COVID19.  
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