Board extends mask mandate

ONE MONTH EXTENSION

by Kathy Thayer

assistant recreation manager

As the old joke goes, do you want the good news or the bad news first?

Let’s go with the good: As of this writing, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Orange County has dropped below 300 as have the hospitalizations. Similar drops have held steady in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, as well. The delta variant appears to have run its course, and there have been no new reported cases in LWSB for over three weeks.

With this favorable report, many clubs that had suspended their reservations plan to reopen in October. However, out of an abundance of caution, the GRF Board voted Sept. 28 to extend the mask mandate for another month. That means that everyone must wear a mask while inside of all Trust Property. The vote was 10-6 in favor of the mandate.

While the board did not ask staff to further restrict reservations or activities, this means everyone, including club performers, will need to wear a mask in the clubhouses. This includes the weekend dances, the karaoke groups or parties, and all club dances and performances.

The mandate also includes all GRF offices; the Fitness Center; table tennis, pool and game rooms; inside the golf shack; and the woodshop.

Some clubs may choose to postpone performances until the mandate is lifted. If they do, they need to contact the Recreation Office as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule.

GRF is not prohibiting the serving of food at events, although individual groups may choose to forgo food or provide only individually packaged food.

With COVID-19 boosters being in the news, staff is often asked if the GRF will be offering them in conjunction with Optum. Currently, only a few distribution sites are cleared for a third inoculation, but the HCC does intend to provide the vaccine once it receives the green light from the government. In the interim, those over 65 and/or the immunocompromised may receive the booster at any chain pharmacy, free of charge, as long as their second injection was at least six months ago.

For more information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com or call (562) 431-6585, ext. 398.