California begins 'Phase 2' of reopening
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined changes to the state’s stay-at-home order that take effect Friday. They allow more retailers to reopen and counties to move forward more quickly with reopening plans if they meet specific criteria.
HOW IS THE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER EASING?
Retail stores across the state can reopen, but the state says they only provide pick-up and delivery services. Manufacturing plants can reopen if they close break rooms and follow a checklist of guidelines from the state that call for keeping workers at least 6 feet apart and wearing face coverings.
RELATED: Reopening California: Newsom details guidelines for businesses as state moves into second phase
WHAT ISN’T ALLOWED?
Restaurants can’t open for dining, though three counties are defying the state and allowing it. Public pools and playgrounds are off limits. Movie theaters, nail salons, tattoo parlors and gyms remain closed.
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An employee inside a restaurant waits for customers arriving for pickup in Alhambra, California on May 7, 2020. - California moves toward a gradual Phase 2 reopening beginning on May 8, 2020. Some restaurant changes which have been proposed include o (Getty Images)
WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR COUNTIES TO GO BEYOND THE STATE ORDER?
A number of requirements aim at ensuring health and safety. To move into the next stage of reopening, a county must record no deaths linked to the coronavirus for two weeks and no more than one confirmed case for every 10,000 residents for 14 days. Counties also must be able to test for COVID-19. The requirement is 1.5 tests a day per 1,000 residents. A county also must have enough shelters for at least 15% of its homeless population and at least 15 contact tracers per 100,000 residents to track down suspected coronavirus cases.
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IF COUNTIES MEET THOSE REQUIREMENTS, WHAT CAN THEY REOPEN?
Shopping malls and dine-in restaurants, although bars and gaming areas will remain shuttered. Outdoor museums and galleries can also reopen. Office-based businesses have the option of bringing back their workers, although the state still recommends telework. Tanning facilities can reopen, but nail salons and tattoo parlors cannot. Gyms will also stay closed, in addition to movie theaters, wineries and playgrounds.
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Source: California governor’s office.