Indoor dining was 'on' for just a brief moment - and now it's back off again.

Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, state and county officials have ordered various businesses and activities that had reopened to shut down again for 21 days, including indoor dining at restaurants.

Manhattan Beach's Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, which opened July 1, will also be shutting down once again until further notice.

 
“While these actions are unfortunate, I understand the severe circumstances we are responding to across the county," said Mayor Richard Montgomery in a statement. "COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing. Just as we did in April and May, we must take public health measures such as wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. We were able to flatten the curve before and we’re certainly capable of doing it again.”

In early June, the City Council approved a temporary outdoor dining and business use program that allows restaurants and businesses to use adjacent public parking spaces to accommodate social distancing measures required by state and county protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19. Any business interested in expanding their outdoor dining onto private property may reach out to the Community Development Department at [email protected] or call 310-802-5520 to pursue an outdoor facilities permit.

Los Angeles County is reporting sharp increases in community spread of COVID-19. Currently, there are 1,889 people hospitalized, representing the largest number of people hospitalized since early May.

 
In Manhattan Beach, positive coronavirus cases have increased from 80 cases on June 1 to 137 cases on July 1, representing a 71% increase over a month.

Earlier this week, county public health officials announced the closure of county beaches for the July 4 holiday weekend in response to the sharp increase in cases across the county.

To further combat the spread of the disease, all residents are asked to continue to observe COVID-19 safety protocols, including observing social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands thoroughly, staying home if possible, and avoiding the "three c's": crowds, confined spaces, and close contact.

County health orders require that you always wear a face covering securely over your nose and mouth and keep six feet apart from others not in your household when out and about.

Businesses must continue to follow public health directives, or risk being reported to the public health department and possibly shut down.