A.M. Brief: Proposed Bill Aims to Reopen Theme Parks Sooner

A bi-partisan bill wants to revise guidelines for reopening California’s largest theme parks. Also this morning: Churches get the go-ahead from SCOTUS to resume indoor services, worries over the U.K. variant of COVID-19, and did people actually listen to Public Health’s advice about not gathering for the Super Bowl? It’s Monday. Here is your news brief. Take it!

Morning News Rundown

Two California State Assembly members from SoCal districts—one a Republican representing Santa Clarita, the other a Democrat representing Fullerton—are co-sponsoring a new bill that aims to fast-track theme park reopenings. In California, theme parks have remained closed due to the pandemic since March. Assembly Bill 420 would update guidance for all amusement parks to allow them to reopen within the same tier, regardless of capacity. [LA Mag]

Following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned California’s ban on indoor worship services, numerous local churches reopened for gatherings on Sunday. Some churches, such as South Bay United Pentecostal Church, had continued to hold services for months before the ruling despite the state’s ban. [L.A. Times]

Since December, four people in Big Bear have tested positive for the U.K. variant of coronavirus known as B.1.1.7. The mutant strain of COVID-19 is considerably more transmissible than other known types, and researchers predict it will become the dominant strain in Southern California over the next few weeks. [KTLA]

Starting tomorrow, Los Angeles County will shift its strategy at vaccination mega-sites to prioritize individuals eligible for their second dose. The move comes as vaccine supply issues continue to hamper widespread deployment. [ABC 7]

Did Angelenos listen to health officials’ advice about avoiding Super Bowl gatherings? L.A. County’s COVID-19 numbers have declined across the board in recent days, but officials worry that the emergence of the U.K. variant combined with people gathering or not following protocols could lead to another surge in the coming weeks. [L.A. Times]