News

The state of California has issued guidelines detailing what retail businesses, including the companies that provide them logistical and manufacturing support, need to do in order to re-open for curbside and delivery services Friday amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The businesses must have all of the following provisions in place: requiring facial coverings for all employees and customers; allowing 6 feet of physical distancing at all times for both employees and customers; providing access to hand washing and sanitizing for employees and customers; plans for frequent cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces; and a plan to identify and exclude sick employees from the workplace.

“Additional measures, including certification of safety plans, will be required as the state modifies the stay-at-home order and moves further into stage two,” a press release states.




Later in this second stage of the state’s COVID-19 response, some office spaces and dine-in restaurants may be allowed to re-open. After that — likely in stage three, under the state’s tentative timeline — businesses that are considered “higher risk,” like barber shops, salons, gyms and movie theaters, would be allowed to re-open with modifications.

Humboldt County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich and Sheriff William Honsal have urged all types of businesses to begin planning now, following the general principles outlined for curbside retail, for how they can re-open safely. Frankovich was also asked Wednesday if the easing of the governor’s order would lead to an easing of her countywide facial covering order.

“No,” she said. “There will be no easing of the masking at this time and, really from my perspective, this is something we can do for each other. Again, you can’t recognize looking at people whether they’re more or less vulnerable to infection and serious consequences. I look at this as a way we can help protect each other, particularly those who are most vulnerable.”

There were reports yesterday of some businesses in Ferndale and Southern Humboldt opening early in defiance of the statewide order, including some that were offering in-store shopping. Frankovich said such activity puts people at risk and could result in restrictions coming back in the future if there’s an outbreak of the virus.

Frankovich said she understands people are anxious to get back to normal but cautioned that’s going to be a slow, incremental process.

“Frankly, normal to me would be being able to visit with a couple of friends,” she said.

From the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

May 6, 2020 - Soft Opening of Some Humboldt County Businesses Set for Friday
707-441-5000 ; [email protected] ; Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm ; Saturday 10am to 5pm

The state has authorized some Humboldt County businesses with lower COVID-19 exposure risk to begin reopening on Friday, May 8. Qualifying businesses must have modifications in place to protect the health and safety of both employees and customers.

The first stage of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-stage reopening plan has been in place since the statewide Stay-at-Home Order took effect on March 16. Stage Two will begin Friday with what the Governor calls a “soft opening” to gradually reopen certain businesses. This first part of Stage Two will allow the reopening of most retail businesses that are able to serve customers curbside or through delivery as well as logistics and manufacturing supports for retail businesses.

According to the state’s plan, businesses that can reopen on Friday, May 8, with modifications in place include:

Most retail businesses (may open for curbside or delivery only) Florists, toy stores, sporting goods stores, bookstores and clothing stores are a few examples Shopping malls and seated dining services cannot reopen per the state Stay-at-Home Order Businesses that provide logistical and manufacturing support for retail businesses. Businesses that plan to reopen on Friday, May 8, should have the following measures in place prior to reopening: Wearing and requiring facial coverings for all employees and customers in accordance with the Order of the Health Officer Allowing for six feet of social distancing at all times for employees and customers Providing access to handwashing and hand sanitizer for employees and customers Frequently cleaning and sanitizing the facility following CDC reopening guidelines Adhering to a plan to identify and exclude sick employees from the workplace. Additional measures, including certification of safety plans, will be required as the state modifies the Stay-at-Home Order and as the county moves further into Stage Two. The Humboldt County Joint Information Center will release information regarding the certification process based on direction from the state on Stage Two implementation. For the most recent information about COVID-19, visit CDC.gov or CDPH.ca.gov. For local information, visit humboldtgov.org, call 707-441-5000 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook: @HumCoCOVID19, Instagram: @HumCoCOVID19, Twitter: @HumCoCOVID19, and Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert ###