Newport Beach City Hall closes to public again through end of January due to pandemic
Newport Beach City Hall is closing again.
The city announced Thursday that it would be shutting down City Hall to the public starting Monday out of concern for the health of city employees and members of the public as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Orange County. City officials said City Hall would remain closed through the end of January.
Data from the Orange County Health Care Agency reported that there have been a total of 2,502 cases in Newport Beach. Countywide, there are now at 177,733 cases as of Thursday.
The Orange County Health Care Agency Thursday recorded 2,701 new coronavirus infections and 29 deaths, bringing the countywide case count to 177,733 and pushing the fatality rate to 1,972.
This is the third time that Newport Beach City Hall is closing in response to the pandemic. The first time it closed was in March at the start of the statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It reopened in May, then closed again in July, when cases increased. City Hall reopened for a second time in October.
All city services will remain available through phone, email and drop-offs and pickups.
Those applying for planning, building, public works or fire permits can leave applications in a designated drop box outside City Hall, Bay C. Plan checks and revisions can be submitted for review by email or by the drop box.
The cashier’s office will also accept payments online or residents can leave payments in a designated drop box in front of Bay A.
The city also announced Thursday that it would be suspending its recreation classes until further notice.
Participants that registered for a winter class will receive credit for future classes or may request a refund. The city’s community centers, which includes the OASIS Senior Center, remain closed to the public.
Sherman Library & Gardens in Newport Beach set up its annual Wishing Tree, which will be available to the public until Feb. 26.
The ActiveKids and Marina Park Preschool childcare programs will be unaffected by the closures and outdoor youth sports organizations will still be allowed to operate under current state guidelines. City parks, trails and sport courts will remain open.
The Newport Beach Public Library is also open at 20% capacity.
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