L.A., In a Few Weeks, We Outsiiiiiiiiiide!

Okay, some may say I never went inside, but California’s plan for a full reopening on June 15th is still exciting news for me.

A not-too-social social life

Even for those of us that have managed to safely gather with others and attend events during these Covid-19 restrictions, the way we’ve been socializing in Los Angeles is different.

Take the above photo for example. That’s me and my client-turned-friend, Jam, in the foyer area outside of the restrooms at Tao LA. As we waited for the other ladies to touch up in the mirror, we snapped it up on the cute little couch. As of right now, moments like those aren’t allowed to exist.

It’s weird.

First of all, restaurants in Los Angeles require guests to have on a face covering at all times while inside, unless you’re seated (and eating) at your table. Then, restaurants have also closed off, or heavily monitor, areas where guests would usually congregate. My homegirl from Louisiana, Ke, and I had to sneak outside of the elevator and take this picture at Catch LA (click); the ladies at the host stand kept telling us that we could take pictures, but we had to keep our masks on, and insinuated we’d better hurry before other people come up because guests from different parties couldn’t be around one another.

In addition to the shared spaces, like walkways and lobbies, it was even different at the individual tables. Covid-19 restrictions in Los Angeles County wouldn’t allow more than 6 guests per table… so what happens when somebody else decides to come? You have to rework and split up your entire party, seating some at the table you had reserved, then hope the restaurant will give you another table nearby for the remainder of the party.

The number of people per table wasn’t the only thing restricted. The number of people in the restaurant overall was restricted as well. As of now, restaurants in L.A. are still operating at 50% capacity. Imagine the crowd of a restaurant, you’re accustomed to seeing jumping, cut in half. It changes the whole vibe. It doesn’t feel right not to have to turn to the side, grab your girlfriend’s hand, and squeeze thru a sea of well-dressed folks at least once in Catch or Tao.

When is Los Angeles fully reopening?

I’m looking forward to mixing and mingling in the bar area until the maitre d’ calls me saying my table is ready. I’m looking forward to pulling up an extra chair for a friend without a problem. I’m almost even looking forward to someone stepping on my freshly-painted toes peeking out of my stilettos because it’s just that chaotic.

And it looks like, I won’t be looking for too long.

Come June 15, Californians will wake up to a world that looks nothing like the past year-plus — one where businesses can open their doors without COVID-19 constraints on capacity or requirements for physical distancing, and where people who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most situations.

source: LA Times

I’m ready for a fully reopened California.

What about you? Do you mind a little pandamonium? Will you miss venues being halfway-empty? Send me a tweet telling me your thoughts.

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