New statewide guidance has paved the way for more businesses and industries to reopen, including several additional sectors that Shasta County can open because of its variance.
Statewide, guidance has been released for:
• Schools (the Shasta County Office of Education will be sending a letter to parents regarding county-specific plans in the next few weeks)
• Child care
• Day camps
• Casinos operated by sovereign tribal nations
• Film, TV and music production
• Professional sports without an audience
In addition, variance counties including Shasta County can open:
• Campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation
• Hotels
• Cardrooms, satellite wagering facilities and racetracks
• Family entertainment centers, such as batting cages, bowling alleys and miniature golf
• Bars and wineries
• Fitness facilities
• Museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums, including Turtle Bay
• Pools, using the pool-specific information outlined in the guidance for gyms, hotels and campgrounds
In a slight shift from what Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week, he released the guidance today (June 5) with a recommended effective date of June 12 or later, giving businesses a week to review the guidance, create their modification plans and train their staff before reopening. This allows local health officers the flexibility to decide effective dates for their counties. After reviewing the current data regarding COVID-19 status in Shasta County, Health Officer Karen Ramstrom has given the go-ahead for these businesses to reopen.
“It’s recommended that businesses use the time between now and June 12 to get your plans ready, but if you fall into one of these categories and you have a plan, have trained your staff and are ready to implement that plan, you can open,” Dr. Ramstrom said. The Health and Human Services Agency has been working on a dashboard that will communicate the county’s current COVID-19 status to the public. This will be a tool for individuals to make decisions about personal risks.
The California Department of Public Health also released additional information about travel, stating that travel is allowable for urgent matters or essential work, but people should avoid traveling long distance for leisure. All travel should be avoided by people who are sick or have had COVID exposure.
Businesses who would like assistance with interpreting the guidelines or creating their reopening plans can email COVID19@co.shasta.ca.us, and a member of the Community and Business Engagement Team will follow up.
All of the guidance is available at www.shastaready.org.
