Saida Maalin|Contributor
San Bernardino and neighboring counties began reopening this week after meeting guidelines for the transition into Phase 2 of the state’s four-stage plan for re-starting the economy. The guidelines outline the required safety and preventive measures warranted to protect against COVID-19.
On Monday, May 18th, Governor Newsom introduced the state’s four-step plan for small and big businesses to safely open.
According to SB County officials, businesses allowed to reopen with specific modifications include: curb-side retail, logistics, manufacturers, office based businesses, car washes, pet grooming, landscapers, outdoor museums, open gallery spaces and other public spaces.
“This is a key step in reopening our economy responsibly and safely,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “By beginning with mostly curbside operations for early Phase 2 businesses, we are giving business owners an opportunity to begin the process of ramping up their operations and ramping up our economy while ensuring the safety of their employees and patrons.”
When phase two expands not only will businesses like retail stores, shopping centers, dine-in restaurants, bars and schools reopen but the stay-at-home orders will most likely be revised.
The ability to enter Phase 2 varies by county based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and death toll in each.
“We are confident that our residents and business owners will recognize that keeping the rate of COVID-19 cases and related deaths flat is a shared responsibility,” said Hagman.
Phase 3 will be for higher-risk workplaces including beauty shops, barber shops and recreational venues like food and entertainment.
When a business is determined to have met the new guidelines, a sign will be placed in the window for customers to know it is COVID-19 compliant.
“We have it within our collective ability to act responsibly, whether you are working in a store or looking to visit one. We are asking all our residents to please respect safe distances and wear face coverings when indoors around other people. If we can support one another during this reopening, we can thrive within this new normal.”
To stay updated with COVID-19 in SB County visit http://sbcovid19.com/.
