REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (March 13, 2020) – While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at AdventurePlex, Beach Cities Health District’s (BCHD) family facility in Manhattan Beach, BCHD is proceeding with the temporary closure of AdventurePlex, beginning March 14 through April 30, 2020, as a preventive effort to protect the health and well-being of residents, families and visitors.
As of March 12, there have been two COVID-19 cases reported by the City of Manhattan Beach, one of which was reported directly by an affected resident. At this time, these cases have not been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), nor has it been confirmed that there was any contact with other residents. As a result of this information, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District has made the decision to close their campuses to students beginning March 16.
This week, BCHD announced it is also temporarily closing its Center for Health & Fitness, beginning March 14 and postponing or cancelling all BCHD public meetings and select events, volunteer trainings, classes and workshops until the end of April to slow the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID- 19).
While the Center for Health & Fitness and AdventurePlex will be closed to the public, employees will be redeployed to help stay connected to members, provide online fitness opportunities or reassigned to assist BCHD’s Community Services with checking in on older adult residents.
BCHD is following the guidance of LACDPH, which is recommending that members of vulnerable populations who are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems, practice social distancing immediately and avoid being in close contact with others who are ill.
In addition, the state’s public health officials updated policy on gatherings includes postponing non- essential gatherings of more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if organizers can implement social distancing of six feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are members of vulnerable populations (pregnant women, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems) should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.
“We are closely monitoring the developments as they evolve alongside our three cities, school districts and chambers,” said Tom Bakaly, CEO of Beach Cities Health District. “As the local health resource in the community, we are taking a preventive approach in line with recommendations from public health officials to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the impact to residents. We all have a role in the
health of our community—everybody can be a leader and practice social distancing and good public health hygiene. Now is the time to support our community and support one another.”
Public Board & Committee Meetings
BCHD is postponing all public board meetings, committee meetings and study sessions (including the March 19 Study Session) in March and April to ensure full transparency and public participation when the Board considers potential modifications to its Healthy Living Campus plan. This decision was also based on community input. In contrast to city and school public meetings, BCHD meetings occur monthly and therefore these postponements will not adversely impact BCHD’s continuity of operations and two additional regular meetings will be scheduled by resolution later this year.
AdventurePlex & Center for Health & Fitness
BCHD will suspend operations at its Center for Health & Fitness and AdventurePlex, beginning March 14 through April 30, 2020.
The Center for Health & Fitness is a certified medical fitness facility by the Medical Fitness Association with more than 2,500 members, whose average age is 65. This is one of the vulnerable populations who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Online video classes will be available next week to help members continue their health and fitness routine. Members should visit beachcitiesgym.org or www.adventureplex.org for more information.
Other BCHD Events
All BCHD events, volunteer trainings, classes and workshops that fall under the recommended guidelines for members of the vulnerable populations and gathering thresholds mentioned above will be postponed or cancelled. Please visit bchd.org for up-to-date information.
BCHD Services
BCHD will continue to deliver services to adults with disabilities and older adult clients and provide case management at this time. We have taken precautions to ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of the LACDPH recommendations to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19.
Health-related information and referrals:
During this time of heightened health concern, BCHD is available to offer help and support. For resident questions or concerns, please reach out to our information and referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 or email communications@bchd.org. Visit bchd.org/coronavirus for information about COVID-19 or bchd.org/resources to find assistance related to mental health and social-emotional health for youth and adults in addition to support groups and emergency services.
For more information about COVID-19 visit:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
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