Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases around the state, Orange County has moved to the Purple Tier.

With Orange County back in the most restrictive tier, shopping centers will have to reduce capacity to 25%.

Museums, zoos, places of worship, movie theaters and fitness centers in Orange County, which had been allowed to open indoors at one-quarter capacity, will now have to operate outdoors only again.

See the Governor’s press release here and find more information at covid19.ca.gov.

While many restaurants and salons are offering patio and outdoor services during the pandemic, the Orange County Fire Authority (OFCA) is reminding businesses to take precautions when using portable and gas-fired heaters.

OCFA developed this guide based on regulations of the California Fire Code (CFC) and California Code of Regulations (CCR), which affect businesses.

First and foremost, always follow the manufacturer’s product safety and use requirements.

All portable heaters used in a business must be a UL listed for commercial use (CFC 603.4.2.2.1). Guards and tip-over protections are required.

Portable gas-fired heaters may only be used outside in well-ventilated areas. (See manufacturer’s specifications for distance from umbrellas.) Prohibited outside locations include:

• Inside of tents, canopies and other membrane structures.

• Within 5 feet of buildings

• Within 5 feet of combustibles

• Within 5 feet of exits or exit discharges

• On exterior balconies

As for propane tanks, those must only be stored outside, with the following separations:

• 5 feet from a building with two means of egress

• 10 feet from a building with one means of egress

• 10 feet from combustible materials

The Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce’s Shop & Dine Laguna Niguel is underway, offering the community the chance to win prizes while supporting our businesses particularly during the ongoing pandemic.

Especially this holiday season and since your sales tax dollars support our community, shopping and dining locally is never more important. Shop & Dine Laguna Niguel runs through December 31 and features new weekly drawings for gift cards to restaurants and retail establishments.

To take part is simple. For any purchase you make in Laguna Niguel or with any Chamber business, snap a photo of your receipt and email it to ShopAndDineLagunaNiguel@gmail.com. Your number of entries will automatically be entered for the opportunity to win gift card prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250.

See the rules and more information at this link.