SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California released guidelines Friday for the reopening of a range of businesses, including gyms, family entertainment such as bowling, day camps and hotels. Counties can allow the reopening starting June 12. Across the board, businesses are expected to provide workers with face coverings, ramp up cleaning protocols and make it easier for people to stay six feet apart.
Gyms should consider reservations to limit the number of people in the facility. They should put hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes near exercise machines, changing rooms and other regularly-used areas and should space machines at least six feet apart. They should suspend high-contact activities like pick-up basketball and limit the number of people in exercise classes to maintain physical distancing. They can open pools, but saunas and steam rooms should remain closed.
Bowling alleys, mini golf courses, arcades and batting cages can reopen. Score sheets, pencils, 3D glasses or other required items should be disposable or single use if possible. Ball pits, indoor playgrounds and climbing structures have to stay closed.
Activities such as laser tag that require closer contact cannot reopen, nor can amusement parks, movie and other theaters or roller rinks.
Museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums can reopen but should discontinue tours that mix together groups of people, use one-way hall and walkways if possible and discontinue the use of audio headsets and strollers, so long as its consistent with their obligations to people with disabilities.
Rooms will no longer have magazines, menus or coupons, and hotels must disable manually operated ice machines that are common in hallways. Pillow protectors should be changed daily and linens removed in single-use sealed plastic bags. Hotels should limit the number of people who can be in an elevator at one time.
Small groups where children are in the same group all day long are the lowest risk, and camps should prioritize outdoor activities. Camps should suspend the use of water fountains, limit the sharing of toys, games and supplies where possible, and direct campers to bring their own meals if they can. Campers should be checked each day with a no-touch thermometer.
FILM, TV, AND PRO SPORTS
Music, television and film production can start again, and so can professional sports without live audiences. Rather than issue specific guidelines, the state is directing the industries to set rules through labor agreements and by following county public health orders.
Bars and wineries should follow similar rules as recently reopened restaurants, including prioritizing outdoor seating and keeping patrons six feet apart. Tasting rooms should use a fresh glass for each tasting and limit groups.
The schools guidance is interim and designed to help districts prepare for students to return in the fall. Schools should stagger arrival times to minimize contact between students, staff and families at beginning and end of each school day. They should consider portable hand-washing stations to minimize movement and gatherings in bathrooms. Lunchtime should take place in classrooms or outdoors instead of cafeterias or group dining areas. Schools should limit the sharing of toys, books and other supplies.
