LONG BEACH (CNS) - The city of Long Beach will begin distributing free face shields today to local bars, restaurants and personal care businesses set to reopen, in a bid to help owners comply with a new COVID-19 health order.
“As we slowly begin to reopen our economy, we have to be extremely mindful of keeping each other safe and healthy,'' Mayor Robert Garcia said. “Providing face shields to our small businesses and their employees is one small way we can help our local businesses reopen safely.''
An amended health order that takes effect Friday requires bar and winery patrons to wear a face covering. Bartenders and servers must wear both a cloth covering and a face shield when serving customers who have removed face coverings in order to eat and drink.
Many personal care businesses, such as nail salons, will be allowed to reopen June 26 in the city. Workers at those businesses will also be required to wear face shields while providing services that require the removal of a customer's face covering.
Free face shields for businesses are being distributed in the parking lot of Long Beach Fire Department headquarters at 3205 Lakewood Blvd. Quantities are limited to 20 per establishment and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are exhausted.
Pickup hours are today from 1-4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.
This is the second such giveaway. The city handed out free face shields to restaurants in May.
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