Some State 3 businesses will require 'guidance' documents to open say state and county officials

By The Leader Staff
Kings County health officials, in a release Monday, described parts of the Stage 3 business opening requirements needed for certain local businesses.
Kings County health officials, in a release Monday, described parts of the Stage 3 business opening requirements needed for certain local businesses.
Gary Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

The Kings County Department of Public Health, in a June 1 release, said that some State 3 businesses may have to continue their wait a few more days before reopening, that is until the county publishes specific “guidance documents” consistent with protocols issue by the California Department of Public Health.

Some of the businesses the policy may affect include nail salons and tattoo parlors, gyms, community centers, including public pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas, indoor museums, kids museums, gallery spaces, zoos and libraries, and entertainment venues (movie theaters, sports without live audiences).

It was on May 29, that Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California counties with published variance attestations could begin to move into Stage 3 of the State’s Resilience Road Map reopening plan. He also said that any expansion of the reopening would require the guidance and approval of local health departments and consistent with operational protocols issued from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) officials shared how the process will be implemented in Kings County:

1. On May 29, 2020, the CDPH notified local health departments (LHD) that, until they published guidance documents for each respective Stage 3 business sector, those businesses cannot open. As such, Stage 3 businesses in Kings County will not be permitted to open until these guidance documents are published and KCDPH has approved each sector to open.

2. KCDPH has established a working group that includes representatives from the County, city leaders, healthcare leadership, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, local business, and schools. This group will meet to establish a plan and process to open Stage 3 businesses in phases. KCDPH will notify businesses in each sector identified during this process when they can begin to open as well as the respective mitigation processes and protocols tailored to their business that must be in place to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible.

3. When there are spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases associated with any single industry or sector, KCDPH will work quickly with that industry/sector to contain and slow the spread of the virus. In that event, KCPDH will expect the full cooperation of any affected business in order for the business to remain open.

4. KCDPH will also use triggers established in the County’s variance attestation approved by the State, as well as, any newly developed triggers and monitoring processes CDPH releases to monitor and, if necessary, slow the rate at which businesses reopen.

5. KCDPH will also continue to monitor and recommend adjustments to the reopening process and to business operations as new information about the virus, mitigation practices, surveillance or other emerging information becomes public.

Stage 3 businesses affected by this reopening plan include:

  • Nail salons and tattoo parlors
  • Gyms – Fitness studios
  • Community centers, including public pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas
  • Indoor museums, kids’ museums, gallery spaces, zoos, and libraries
  • Entertainment venues (movie theaters, sports without live audiences)

The following businesses are not included in Stage 3 and will not be allowed to open until the County is allowed to move into Stage 4:

  • Full-capacity religious services and cultural ceremonies
  • Nightclubs
  • Concert venues
  • Live audience sports
  • Festivals
  • Theme parks
  • Hotels/lodging for leisure and tourism – non-essential travel
  • Higher education 

Although the stay-at-home order has been modified several times, State law continues to require that all possible steps be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the public from the spread of the virus. Preventative measures include physical distancing, the use of face coverings by employees and customers, frequent handwashing, regular cleaning and disinfection, and training employees on these and other elements of the COVID-19 prevention plan.

As such, all businesses that reopen must follow and implement the Statewide COVID-19 industry guidance specific to your operation and must implement appropriate preventative measures in all the operational aspects of the business. 

This requirement includes avoiding situations and actions, such as sales, promotions, or other incentives or enticements that can cause mass public gatherings, which will have negative public health and economic impacts that could force businesses throughout the County to close once again. Therefore, businesses that are found incapable of effectively controlling the risk factors for the Somespread of COVID-19 through proper implementation of the guidelines may be subject to closure by order of the Kings County Health Officer.  

For any questions, please call the Kings County Department of Public Health at 559-584-1411.

 

Some State 3 businesses will require 'guidance' documents to open say state and county officials

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