By Lookout Staff

May 29, 2020 -- For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic hit Santa Monica two and a half months ago, customers can get their hair cut at local salons and barbershops, and diners can enjoy a sit-down meal at local restaurants.

The City's order issued Friday -- its seventeenth since a cornonavirus emergency was declared on Friday March 13 -- aligns with an order issued by Los Angeles County hours earlier reopening those venues for limited in-person services.

Nail salons remain closed and spa services, including massage, facials and waxing, are still prohibited.

Under guidelines for hair salons and restaurants, physical distancing measures will be in place and employees and customers will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, including cough and fever.

At barbershops and salons, everyone must wear cloth face coverings, preferably with earloops; stylists can serve only one client at a time, and customers should pay with credit cards and "contactless payment systems."

"If electronic or card payment is not possible, customers should come with exact cash payment or check, if available," City officials said.

At restaurants, customers will be asked to wait for their table in their cars or outside the restaurant and diners must wear cloth face coverings when not eating, City officials said.

Bar areas will be closed and occupancy capacity will be limited to 60 percent for the next three weeks.

Restaurants and businesses on the Santa Monica Pier remain closed.

Where the County and City orders conflict, the City will follow the stricter guidance, Santa Monica officials said.

“We are committed to facilitating a safe reopening and need everyone’s commitment as we move forward," said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg.

“In the days and weeks to come, we look forward to working with our local business partners to roll out opportunities for new use of public and private outdoor space for safe, physically distanced dining experiences.”

Friday's order replaces the third supplement issued March 16 that banned restaurants from serving food and closed barbershops and beauty salons.

The County issued a new order this week opening non-essential retail businesses, including indoor malls and shopping centers.

Movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, gyms, fitness centers and spas remain closed.

For additional questions, call the City of Santa Monica’s hotline at (310) 458-8400. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting SMCOVID to 888-777 and regular email updates at santamonica.gov/newsletter.