SACRAMENTO, Calif. — UPDATE:
Sacramento County was given the green light from state health officials to move further into Phase 2 of the California's reopening plan, county officials announced Tuesday.
The announcement means that county businesses could begin reopening with modifications once the county public health order is amended, which should happen "on or before May 22."
"It remains critical that people continue to stay home as much as possible, practice social distancing, follow good hygiene and cleaning practices and stay home when they are sick," said Dr. Peter Beilenson, Director of Health Services.
Sacramento County's reopening plan is somewhat different than the State's Resilience Roadmap. Of the changes for Sacramento County are that religious services and other special ceremonies can be drive through. Outdoor gatherings can have up to 10 people so long as social distancing is practiced.
Meanwhile, businesses that will soon be allowed to reopen will have to follow the state's guidance before resuming operations.
The following are business sectors that can begin reopening once they implement the county and state guidelines:
- Small offices may reopen when telework is not possible
- Child care, day care and family day care
- Outdoor gyms
- Outdoor museums, art galleries and theaters
- Resumption of full public transportation
- Micro enterprise retail and storefronts, which means 10 employees or less
ORIGINAL STORY:
If you've been to Downtown Sacramento any evening in the last couple months, you've likely seen empty streets, little to no action, and businesses with closed doors.
Come Thursday night, those empty streets could be singing a different tune.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced various modifications to the state's Phase 2 of reopening. Newsom lifted the requirement that counties go two weeks without a coronavirus-related death.
On Tuesday morning, Sacramento County's Board of supervisors and public health officials met to discuss their request to the state to allow for a faster reopening. Upon conclusion of the meeting, they are expected to agree to send a letter to the governor’s office and the state for approval to move forward.
If Newsom gives the OK, Sacramento County’s modified order would go into effect on Thursday, May 21. It would replace the current county stay-at-home order that is set to expire on Friday. County officials tell ABC10 the hope is for restaurants and stores to be allowed to reopen for interior shopping and dining, with appropriate distancing modifications, as soon as this weekend.
Sacramento County spokesperson Kim Nava says says Sacramento County has done a pretty good job at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
"Sacramento County actually is the best in terms of large jurisdictions throughout the state," Nava explained. "For our confirmed cases of deaths, we're actually among the lowest. That shows that our residents have been taking the stay at home orders seriously."
Still, reopen or not, Nava said it's important that people know that a public health order is active.
"It's important to know that even if we are able to move further in Stage 2, which is our hope, that the county stay-at-home order is still in place and that, as much as possible, people can stay home," stated Nava.
READ THE LATEST ON ABC10:
- 5 San Diego casinos set to reopen to the public this week
- Here's a list of California counties cleared to begin reopening sooner
- Sacramento hair salons, barbershops push to reopen as debt piles up
- Paradise High School prepares for another non-traditional graduation
- Plans to reopen Sacramento Zoo rescinded hours after announcing it would open June 1
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