Hayward to continue Saturday street closures to support downtown shopping and outdoor dining
HAYWARD, Calif., July 16, 2020—The City of Hayward will continue its program of Saturday afternoon and evening street closures to support downtown shopping and outdoor dining, the City’s Economic Development Manager announced today.
The announcement follows California Department of Public Health approval on Wednesday of an Alameda County variance application to reopen certain business and social activities earlier than otherwise allowed under the state’s COVID-19 Shelter in Place order.
Though outdoor dining was specifically authorized in Hayward and elsewhere in Alameda County pursuant to the county’s most recent COVID-19 Shelter in Place order issued on June 18, the County had not yet requested and obtained the required state variance until this week.
Under Hayward’s program to support safe downtown shopping and outdoor dining and take-out service, the City will close B and Main streets to vehicle traffic from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. each Saturday through the end of August.
“The City of Hayward is pleased to continue to support our retailers and restaurants who choose to participate—whether by providing outdoor dining service or just takeout service,” Economic Development Manager Paul Nguyen said. “We encourage our local businesses to review and implement State Industry Guidance to help ensure the safest possible event for everyone.”
The event, which resumes this Saturday, July 18, will include B Street from Foothill to Watkins Street, and Main Street from A to C streets. Vehicles will be cleared from the enclosure area starting at 2 p.m.
The closures allow restaurants that have obtained a City Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit to pull tables onto sidewalks and street areas in front of their businesses, creating expanded areas for physical distancing and observance of other safety, including the wearing of masks or other face coverings.
To learn more and for a list of participating businesses, go online to the Together for Downtown Hayward event page on the City of Hayward website.
Download the full news release.
