With California's new COVID-19 classification system in place, a number of business will be allowed to resume indoor operations today in San Diego County (with modifications) and adherence to social-distancing and face covering mandates.
The following businesses can resume indoor operations with 25% occupancy (or 100 people - whichever is less):
- Movie theaters
- Places of worship
- Museums
- Zoos and aquariums
These businesses can also resume indoor operations but with no more than 10% occupancy:
- Hair and nail salons
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Dance and yoga studios
- Tattoo and piercing shops
- Skin care and cosmetology services
Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer, said San Diego's COVID-19 presence is considered "substantial" but not "widespread" like Orange, Riverside, Imperial and Los Angeles counties and that overall retail businesses will follow state guidelines and restrict occupancy to at least 50%. However, County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher expressed concern about the reopening schedule, "My concerns are with the size, scope and speed of what is being reopened on Monday," he said. "While there are some lower risk entities that could safely reopen at this point, what we are doing is very similar to what we did in June with a large segment of indoor operations all opening at the same time. This led to a large increase in cases and required new restrictions.
"But even though I prefer a different path, the decision has been made and I will continue to work tirelessly to help us find a way to slow the spread, support our schools, and continue to help our community through this difficult time," Fletcher said.
San Diego County reported 253 new COVID-19 cases and three new deaths on Sunday, bringing the region's totals to 38,300 cases and 682 deaths. The county's 14-day rolling average of positive cases is at 3.7%, far below the state's 8% guideline.
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