SACRAMENTO, Calif — If you've been out and about in Sacramento County during the last couple weeks, chances are you've noticed some restaurants that are still open for business despite statewide stay at home orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Technically, it is OK for the restaurants to stay open as long as they’re following certain guidelines. This has been a controversial issue ever since the state implemented specific precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to California Department of Health and Human Services, restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining and should only be open to drive-through or other pick-up and delivery options.
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But how are these guidelines being enforced?
Sacramento County spokesperson Brenda Bongiorno said it will be on a case-by-case basis.
"If needed, Health Order information will be provided to the business, as well as how vital it is to the employer, employees and clients to comply with the Health Order in order to slow the spread of COVID-19," Bongiorno explained.
Both the Sacramento County sheriff and district attorney announced the Health Order, and non-compliant businesses could be referred to them for legal action.
For those wondering how to report violations if they seem them, the best thing to do is report it to your local health department.
For those who live in Sacramento County, you can report the violation by calling 311, or call the non-emergency line at 916-808-5471.
"If the police department is dispatched, they would respond and educate the business regarding the order," said Sacramento Police Officer Karl Chan "However, they have not had to take any enforcement action at this point."
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Coronavirus Background
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine; however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
WHY HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE SO CONCERNED
Some people have compared the low overall death toll to the flu's high annual death toll in the United States as a reason not to be concerned about COVID-19, however, doctors and health officials are concerned for three main reasons:
- Some people have built up immunity to the flu, but few have immunity to COVID-19 version of coronavirus.
- Both the flu and COVID-19 are spread by droplets, but COVID-19 might be spread in the air. Scientists are researching exactly how COVID-19 spreads.
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