New information is coming in nearly daily from the state about changes to the statewide shelter-in-place order. Understandably, this is causing a lot of confusion and questions about what exactly is permitted and what ability we have at the local level to implement changes beyond the state’s order.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions that have been coming into my office in the last week.
Can the County open up more businesses than the state is allowing?
Generally, no. The County cannot have an order that is more lenient than the state’s order. We can, and do, have an order that has elements that are stricter than the state’s order (generally for elements that are unique to our area — such as beaches).
At this point, in regards to businesses reopening, our Health Officer has been mirroring the state guidance.
When will I be able to go to the gym or get a haircut?
The Governor has established 4 stages for reopening. We have just entered the beginning of Stage 2. In the early part of this stage, low-risk retail (with curbside pickup only), manufacturing and logistics have been allowed.
Later, a lessening of retail restrictions, school/child care openings with modifications and limited hospitality will be allowed with specific metrics being required to be met by the County for this to occur.
These metrics include specific benchmarks on cases, contact tracing capabilities, testing capabilities, ICU/hospital capabilities, fatalities and more. Stage 3 will include gyms, hair and nail salons, movie theaters, sports without live audiences and in-person religious services including weddings.
Stage 4 is functionally a full reopening including concerts, live sports and convention centers. Currently, the Governor controls the timeline for these stages and the County can proceed into the stages when the Governor allows the state to move to the next stage and our County meets the specific metrics outlined above.
What actions are being taken locally to prepare for the phased reopening?
There are two parallel tracks for preparation ━ the health capacity and testing/equipment side and the business adaptation side to the new practices that will be required in most sectors.
On the health side, the County, local hospitals and UC Santa Cruz have significantly increased testing capacity including a new location in Watsonville. The County is working with the State on contact tracing positions and continued augmentation of protective equipment.
On the business front, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has funded a position to help oversee the economic recovery and has partnered with the County on launching an Economic Recovery Team. The team consists of business leaders from throughout the county to identify “smart practices, reduce risks, and recommend steps to help the reopening succeed safely,” according to the Community Foundation.
The goal will be alignment with the Governor’s four stages and best health practices and be supported by local scientific and public health subject matter experts.
Where can I get the most reliable local data and info on COVID?
The County Health website will be able to answer many of your questions. It has a significant amount of information (updated daily) for you to be informed about local data and resources on COVID-19 including: Local demographic data of cases, a breakdown of where the cases are occurring, the total number of cases and tests, resources for providers and residents, a county-by-county comparison, info on the shelter-in-place order and much more. Visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus to learn more.
What other ways can I get information?
You can call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. The County has a live, staffed hotline ━ open every day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Call (831) 454-4242. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls with County and community leaders on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384#.
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do feel free to reach out to me. You can always call me at 454-2200.
Story By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor • www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ZachFriend