With the Southern California Region under a Stay Home Order as of Sunday Night, December 6 for a minimum of three weeks, we are once again reviewing which businesses have to close, which ones can stay open, and any changed protocols as a result of the order. More detail on the regional breakdown and the ICU capacity threshold which triggers the Stay Home Order can be found on the State of California’s COVID website [here].
Critical infrastructure such as transportation remains open, which includes the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a mode of transportation to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The Tramway has been operating under COVID safety protocols since they reopened, with face coverings required, limits on capacity and tickets available by advance purchase only.
Indoor dining, however, at the top of the Tramway and throughout the entire region, will be off limits. No outdoor seated dining, either. Restaurants that provide takeout and delivery options can still do so.
Some forms of outdoor recreation, such as golf, tennis, and even gyms providing outdoor workout space, will remain open, as long as they are not selling food or drink. Overnight stays at campgrounds are not permitted.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has announced they will be closed for the duration of the Stay Home Order, and they are considering the feasibility of rescheduling the WildLights display, cut short in what would have been its most popular days. They will be reaching out to ticketholders this week for refunds or rescheduling.
Sunnylands Center and Gardens will be closed to the public at least through December.
Personal care services, including hair salons and barbershops, must be closed. Movie theaters, playgrounds, amusement parks, and churches and family entertainment centers must also be closed, excepting drive-ins.
Retail and shopping centers must limit indoor access to 20% of capacity, with no eating or drinking on the premises.