LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State officials on Wednesday approved Lake County’s variance to move into the latter phases of Stage 2 of the Governor’s Resilience Roadmap, allowing more businesses to open on Thursday.
Along with the news comes the issuance of a new order by Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and continues until further notice.
The new order, which can be seen here, requires people to wear cloth face masks when entering businesses or facilities – the rule applies to workers and patrons alike – and allows businesses, governments and other organizations to deny service and admission to those not following the masking rules.
The California Department of Public Health on Wednesday posted Lake County’s variance on its website.
By Wednesday night, Lake County was among 50 of California’s 58 counties to have had variances approved by CDPH.
Pace said approval of Lake County’s variance plan permits some business activities to resume Thursday morning, specifically, restaurants with outdoor dining; permitted retail businesses for in-store shopping; childcare for all parents, not just essential workers; and church offices and one-on-one spiritual counseling.
In order to open, Pace said there are safety precautions that need to be in place. Social distancing, cloth face coverings and proper disinfection practices are expected at all open businesses.
In addition, all open businesses – including those that were able to open previously – need to complete a business self-certification document and social distancing plan, and post these documents at their entryway, Pace said.
The forms for businesses are here and industry guidance is here.
To enhance customer confidence during reopening, Pace said the chamber of commerce and cities of Clearlake and Lakeport have signs that can be posted by businesses following safety guidelines, called the “We Care Pledge.”
Pace said cloth face coverings will be generally required inside businesses, for both workers and patrons.
Exceptions apply for people who have medical conditions leading to difficulty breathing with masks, who should get a note from their medical provider excusing them from wearing one; children under age 6, particularly children younger than age 2 who shouldn’t wear masks due to risk of suffocation; and individuals who would have difficulty removing the covering without assistance.
“Persons should refrain from purchasing medical-grade masks, such as surgical masks and N-95 respirators; those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders coming into contact with infected persons,” the order states.
As for why he is making masking mandatory now, Pace said in a Wednesday statement, “The evidence is clear: using face coverings can decrease the transmission of the virus if the user is infected but not showing symptoms. With many of the identified cases in Lake County, people’s willingness to abide by social distancing and use face coverings when out in public seems to have led to minimal community transmission.”
He added, “Since we are allowing increased community activity, making face covering mandatory is a sensible, evidence-based way to protect people at risk of severe complications and limit preventable spread of COVID-19.”
Pace said the county will be able to continue taking forward steps only if precautions are observed to keep communities safe.
Anyone that encounters business practices that are not at the expected level of safety can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-263-8174. The businesses will be contacted and educated about the process, with the aim of encouraging partnership to help keep the public safe.
Pace said a further stage of reopening will take place in two weeks, as long as COVID-19 activity in the county remains stable.
At that time, resumption of indoor dining at restaurants, with proper social distancing, will be allowed, as will some children’s activities, although the specifics are still being worked out, Pace said.
Businesses that Pace said are not being allowed to open in Stage 2 are hotels and lodging, except for essential workers; nightclubs; religious services and cultural ceremonies; entertainment venues, including movies and gaming; personal services, such as cosmetology and hair salons; hospitality, such as bars and lounges; indoor museums, children’s museums, gallery spaces and libraries; and community centers including public pools, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Lake County approved to advance into reopening’s Stage 2; new health order includes masking requirement
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On