By Jondi Gumz
On Tuesday, June 9, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel issued a new order removing local restrictions on lodging operators, allowing hotels, motels and vacation rentals to resume business activities in accordance with state guidelines effective that Friday — three months after businesses were closed and people were ordered to shelter in place to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19.
Safety procedures and social distancing plans will have to be in place for businesses to open.
“These are very significant shifts,” said County Supervisor Zach Friend, adding, “Our numbers are solid.”
The County reported 235 COVID-19 cases as of June 9, one more than the day before, with 107 in Watsonville, 51 in Santa Cruz, 50 in the unincorporated areas, 8 in Scotts Valley, 8 in Capitola, and 10 under investigation.
There have been two deaths, one each in March and April, 32 hospitalizations and 10,044 negative lab results; free tests are currently available by booking an appointment at covid19.ca.gov/testing-and-treatment at the OptumServe site at Ramsay Park, Watsonville.
The state reported two people currently hospitalized in Santa Cruz County for COVID-19, one confirmed and one suspected, with no one in the intensive care unit.
Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, speaking on a tele-town hall Tuesday night with Friend and his constituents, said Dominican Hospital had no COVID-19 patients at this time. She said the hospital is scheduling elective procedures that had been suspended to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Not all operations or businesses will be ready to open on this date, county officials cautioned.
The new order extends beach closures from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through July 6, at which time the county will reassess beach access. More than 500 citations have been issued for violations, according to Friend.
Santa Cruz County also is aligned with new state guidance on schools, childcare facilities and day camps.
Owners or managers of local businesses planning to open again are advised to read and follow state guidance to protect the health and safety of staff and customers.
Santa Cruz County public health officials will monitor local case counts, infection rates and hospitalizations and modify local health orders if necessary.
As more businesses reopen, the county emphasizes the importance of following local social distancing protocols, which include:
- Wearing a face covering while engaging others at work or in public
- Maintaining six feet of distance from others who are not members of your household
- Frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Covering coughs or sneezes with tissue or fabric, or using your elbow
- Staying home if you are sick with a fever or cough.