The Chamber has been fielding calls from members and the community since the Governor announced his most recent COVID-19 mitigation effort that subsequently took effect this weekend. Below are some of the most common questions.
How long will we be under this order?
The short answer is the order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks, perhaps longer. A Region moving out of the emergency order will be determined by an ICU capacity model the State is utilizing.
What impact does the order have on the community in general?
The Regional Stay Home Order prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.
What impact does it have on business?
The following business sectors are to close under this order:
– Hair salons and barbershops
– Personal care services (this includes Massage, Nail Salons, Tanning Salons, Waxing, and Estheticians)
– Movie theaters
– Bars, breweries, and distilleries
The following business sectors have been issued modified operating rules and must adhere to the following modifications, including a requirement for 100% masking and social distancing:
– All Retail indoor operation to be conducted at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
– Shopping Centers must operate indoor capacity at 20% with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
– Hotels and Lodging facilities are allowed to open for critical infrastructure support only.
– Restaurants are only allowed take-out, pick-up, or delivery. No outdoor dining will be permitted while this order is in effect.
– Offices should operate remote, except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
– Places of Worship are to offer outdoor services only.
Since we are being measured by ICU capacity now, is it still important we get tested?
Yes! Testing is an important tool utilized by the Health Department to mitigate the spread of the virus. It is also important to note that when we do come out from under the Governor’s current Stay at Home order, we will continue to be governed by the Blueprint for a Safer Economy “Tiered” system. That system has components that will continue to be tied directly to testing.
We seem to be getting very conflicting messaging from County Officials about enforcement, do I really have to follow these rules?
The Chamber does not provide legal guidance on the personal operation of your business, but we do want to remind our business community that almost all businesses operate under multiple governing agencies. Examples of these agencies include State, County and City licensing departments, State and County Health Departments, and even Tax Boards. Please be aware that enforcement mechanisms may manifest under one or more of these agencies that could adversely impact a non-compliant business. We strongly recommend a business seek professional legal guidance if they feel they have a legitimate reason to operate outside of the the State framework.
I have strong feelings regarding this order and would like my voice to be heard, what should I do?
We understand there are strong feelings regarding the current (and previous) orders that are placing restrictions on business, both pro and con. As these are orders primarily being driven at the State level, we encourage our business community to let State elected officials hear from you. They may be contacted as follows:
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D)
Website: gov.ca.gov
(916) 445-2841
Senator Melissa Melendez (R), 28th Senate District
Website: melendez.cssrc.us
(916) 651-4028
Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D), 56th District
Website: asmdc.org/members/a56
(916) 319-2056
Assemblyman Chad Mayes (I), 42nd District
Website: assembly.ca.gov/assemblymemberchadmayes
(916) 319-2042
The GCVCC will continue to try and update our members on additional information and FAQ’s as they arise. For complete details on the Governor’s orders, please click HERE.