Governor Gavin Newsom announced new changes to California's four-stage pandemic road map.
According to Gov. Newsom, the state will be moving into Stage 2 beginning Friday. This will allow some businesses to gradually reopen for curbside pickup.
Businesses in the retail, manufacturing and logistics sectors can resume operations given they follow proper sanitation practices.
“We know that this is going to be a gradual move into Stage 2. We are going to be able to add more businesses and sectors as the data allows us, as the guidance is created, and as we can assure that we are able to reduce risk,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services Secretary.
Retail businesses are being asked to develop contact-less payment procedures, have hand sanitizer available for employees and customers, and ensure employees have proper protective gear.
Manufacturing businesses must maintain physical distance and have access to face coverings and/or gloves. Break rooms should be closed and replaced with outdoor break areas.
Warehouses and deliveries form part of the logistics sector allowed to reopen and are being asked to follow similar guidelines.
Stage 3 of the plan would allow more sectors to reopen, like hair salons, movie theaters, and in-person church services.
Stage 4 would end the stay-at-home order.
Counties will be allowed to move ahead in their reopening phases, but only if they meet certain criteria. On that checklist, no COVID-19 deaths and no more than one new COVID-19 case per 10,000 residents in the past 14 days.
“We have been working with counties, large and small, all across the state, including those that may have gotten ahead of themselves a little bit, try to pull them back in, in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation," Gov. Newsom said.d
San Luis Obispo County currently has a three-phased plan that would go into effect once the county meets the criteria.
If and when San Luis Obispo County is allowed to move to Phase 1 of its plan, that would allow for gatherings of up to 10 people, a partial reopening of some businesses with social distancing, and a modified reopening of schools, gyms, parks and playgrounds.
If public health guidelines are met for 30 days under Phase 1, the county can then move to Phase 2.
In that phase, gatherings of up to 50 would be allowed and more sectors could open up.
Phase 3 could begin after another successful 30 day period, but colleges may still be restricted and distancing and disinfection practices would continue.
The state is developing guidelines for shopping malls and outdoor museums to reopen next and says they plan on releasing guidelines for dine-in restaurants on Tuesday.
For more information on the current plan for San Luis Obispo County, click here.
For more information on Gov. Newsom's plan, click here.