More Orange County amenities could become available to the public beginning Friday, June 12. The news follows new state-issued guidelines for businesses to reopen during the pandemic.

While Orange County awaits approval from the county health officer, Irvine City manager John Russo said he expect to see approval by Thursday, June 11.

“I got a note from [Irvine] Deputy City Manager [Michelle] Grettenburg, she said the county chief administrator anticipates that the county health officer will actually approve on Thursday, thereby enabling us to open on Friday,” he explained to the City Council on June 9.

“We’ll see it when we see it, but that’s what’s anticipated, so we will do our best to be ready for opening on Friday.”

Reopening Looks Like

The Orange California Department of Public Health issued guidelines on June 5 that would allow restaurants, bars and wineries to reopen no sooner than June 12.

New guidelines for hotels, gyms, campgrounds and outdoor recreation areas were also issued by the state health department.

The list of approved establishments to reopen in Orange County also include cardrooms and racetracks. Racetracks are currently allowed to operate without spectators. The new guidelines indicate that seating areas will need to accommodate social distancing when fans return.

“We’re looking forward with summer coming upon us to enjoy pools and get our life back,” Irvine Mayor Christian Shea said during the City Council meeting on June 9.

One way Irvine residents will be able to return to a bit of normalcy will be the option to dine at restaurants.

Pete Carmichael, director of community development, said the city has approved permits for more than a dozen outdoor dining venues around the city that include patios, walkways and extra outdoor space.

Irvine Company Speaks

“We have heard from the Irvine Company in particular, they were very quick to take advantage of the flexible permitting process that the council approved,” Carmichael explained.

“We now have 17 centers that have been approved for expanded outdoor dining in patio areas, common areas and parking lots. They’re just starting to get underway with construction and opening of that. But, we’ll give you updates when we learn more.”

While more businesses are set to reopen, there is still a long list of services and amenities that have not received approval. The Great Park Balloon, sports fields, indoor movie theaters, along with nail salons and tattoo parlors still have yet to receive a targeted reopening date.

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