Gyms, churches and places like nail salons and tattoo parlors are among industries ordered to close or limit operations to outside in San Luis Obispo County to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department made the announcement Wednesday, the third consecutive day the county has been on the state's watch list for an increase in cases over the last few weeks.
The order, effective Thursday, applies to the following:
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Places of worship
• Indoor protests
• Offices for non-critical infrastructure sectors as identified at covid19.ca.gov
• Personal care services (e.g., nail salons, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, estheticians, and facial services)
• Hair salons and barbershops
• Indoor malls
The order will be in place until further notice and comes after the State on Monday ordered additional restrictions due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in California.
"This is our opportunity to slow the spread of COVID-19 here in SLO County and we should each be doing everything we can to lower our case rate," said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. "This is discouraging news, but we do not want to see a surge in hospitalized cases here."
Bars, breweries, pubs and brewpubs were ordered to close unless they offered sit-down meals outside.
Dine-in restaurants also had to close indoor service, but can continue with outdoor seating, takeout and delivery services.
Other places like wineries and tasting rooms and family entertainment centers can also stay open for outdoor service along with retail businesses and outdoor strip malls.
Drive-in movie theatres and zoos can also remain open for the most part since much of what they offer is outside.
Health officials say enforcement checks are being done. Borenstein says for the most part, people are complying and listening, but she adds there has also been some defiance and notices of violations and citations have been issued.
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Santa Barbara County is also on the state's watch list and has similar restrictions in place.