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Officials: 13 business sectors to reopen or expand June 12
Dr. Gary Pace told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that the sectors would reopen on Friday, the first day of eligibility, based on guidance from the state given on June 5.
The reopening or expanding sectors are:
– Childcare services (updated, expanded).
– Schools (interim guidance).
– Day camps.
– Casinos operated by sovereign tribal nations.
– Music, film and television production.
– Professional sports without live audiences.
– Campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation.
– Hotels and vacation rentals (e.g. VRBO, Airbnb).
– Cardrooms, satellite wagering facilities and racetracks.
– Family entertainment centers.
– Restaurants, bars and wineries.
– Fitness facilities.
– Museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums.
The California Department of Public Health’s guidelines can be found here.
“Opening or expanding 13 sectors at once represents a considerable, non-incremental, step forward, and will increase the probability of spread, including community transmission, of COVID-19 in Lake County,” said Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
However, Pace added, “It is the right decision at this time,” noting that Tuesday was the 83rd day Lake County residents have been subject to shelter-in-place and statewide stay at home orders.
“Effects of the actions of the past three months on our communities and businesses have been widespread and severe, and most of those consequences have been economic, as opposed to directly health-related. We have had 30 total cases, and spread has not, to date, occurred at such a rate that it has stressed our local healthcare system,” Pace said.
He said viral activity has remained stable in Lake County’s communities, even as the county has reopened Clear Lake and some industries that support tourism, such as restaurants.
Pace said in recent weeks he’s “continually undertaken substantial review of the status of COVID-19 in our communities,” and has had discussions with stakeholders including the Lake County COVID-19 Recovery Workgroup, a collective that includes two members of the Board of Supervisors and executive leadership from the county and cities of Clearlake and Lakeport.
He said there’s agreement that “now is the time for a big step forward.”
The July 4 holiday typically sees a major influx of visitors to Lake County to use Clear Lake. “Businesses in all sectors continue to adjust to social distancing and other precautions, and offering a reasonable period of time for businesses in the newly-eligible industries to open and adapt prior to that holiday weekend makes sense,” Pace said.
There are industries that remain closed statewide, including e nail salons, massage therapists, estheticians and tattoo parlors. “Provided COVID-19 activity remains stable, we hope to facilitate those businesses safely reopening as soon as possible, as well. While no timeline has been provided by the State, things seem to be accelerating,” Pace said.
“Precautions only become more important as more activities are permitted. Handwashing will help keep businesses open. Social distancing and face coverings will allow us to move about more freely. For preventive measures to be effective, people must practice them, and encourage others to do so,” Pace said.
He said all reopening businesses in Lake County must take precautions, and complete and post social distancing protocol and business certification forms. COVID-19 reopening plans must also be made available to customers or public officials, on request.
Forms and resources for Lake County businesses are available here.
Sector-specific reopening guidance can be found here.
If you review this information and still have questions, reach out to the Lake County Health Services staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-263-8174.