March 12, 2020

Dear Center for Health & Fitness member,

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is taking a preventive approach in line with recommendations from public health officials to slow the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

To protect the health and well-being of our community, we are temporarily closing our Center for Health & Fitness (CHF), effective March 14 through April 30, 2020. BCHD is also postponing or cancelling select events, volunteer trainings, classes and workshops, and all BCHD public meetings and until the end of April.

BCHD is following the guidance of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (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.
BCHD will suspend operations and classes at its Center for Health & Fitness, effective March 14 through April 30, 2020.

The fitness center is a certified medical fitness facility by the Medical Fitness Association with more than 2,500 members, whose average age is 65. Older adults are one of the vulnerable populations who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and 74% of CHF members are aged 60 years or older.

We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess as needed, and make updates to our website and social media channels. We appreciate your patience.

Below are changes to our CHF membership fees and classes:

Membership Fees
  • Membership fees for the month of March will be pro-rated
  • There will be no membership fee deducted from your account for the month of April

Personal Training and Class Packages
  • Series packages will not expire during our temporary closure, sessions will be extended when we reopen

Personal Training Clients
  • Your personal trainer will be reaching out to you within the next five business days to help customize an at-home training plan
  • CHF management will consider requests for in-home personal training sessions for those with medical conditions. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please wait for your personal trainer to reach out to you next week.

Online Classes
  • Next week we will announce opportunities to view classes online to help you continue your health and fitness routine. Stay tuned!
 
Questions or Concerns:
  • A CHF manager will be available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Please email chfnews@bchd.org or call us.
  • We expect to receive a high volume of calls. Please use the following extensions to reach us. We will do our best to get back to you within one business day: 310-374-3426, ext. 147, 165, 174 or 103
Health-related information and referrals
During this time of heightened health concern, BCHD is available to offer help and support. As always, we are committed to the health and well-being of our community.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to our information and referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 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. We are here for you during this uncertain time.


For more information about COVID-19 visit:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organization