State Allows More Solano County Businesses To Reopen

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — The California Department of Public Health has agreed to Solano County's request to move further into Stage 2 of the Governor’s Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home health order. The approval allows for the reopening of some low-risk business activities that have been closed under the state’s current health order, county officials announced Thursday.

"It’s because our residents have done such an amazing job following the County and state health orders that we’re able to allow for the phased reopening of some businesses here in Solano County," said Erin Hannigan, District 1 Supervisor and Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors.

Business sectors that have been given permission to begin the safe reopening process in Solano County as part of the accelerated plan — with required social distancing modifications in place —include: destination retail stores such as bookstores, jewelry stores, toy stores, clothing stores, home furnishing, sporting goods, florists, shopping malls and swap meets; dine-in restaurants; and office-based business operations.

County Health officials worked Thursday to update the county's health order so that businesses mentioned above can begin operating at 6 a.m. Friday as long as they have met the state’s guidance for reopening, County Spokesman Matthew Davis said.

Business operators can go to the Solano County Public Health Roadmap to Recovery website to view the state's guidance and readiness checklists. All the necessary materials — including signage to post at their establishments and self-certify their commitment to the public that they are ready to reopen safely — are available from the county website.

"Solano County Public Health appreciates the opportunity the state has given us to move forward into an accelerated Phase 2," said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Public Health Officer. "As we begin reopening businesses here in Solano County, Public Health will continue to monitor the situation, reminding everybody to continue to maintain social distancing best practices."

As Solano County relaxes its stay-at-home health order, residents are still encouraged to continue following federal, state and county best practices for social distancing, including: maintaining 6 feet of physical distance from others; wearing a cloth face covering when not at home and physical distancing cannot be maintained; practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette; using a hand sanitizer or washing hands for at least 20 seconds; and staying home when not feeling well.

Coronavirus Cases In Solano County

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 53 active cases of coronavirus in Solano County from a total of 449 cases since the outbreak began. There have been 19 coronavirus-related deaths in the county, with 69 total residents hospitalized for the virus, 18 of whom were hospitalized as of Thursday afternoon.

Here is a breakdown of cases by city:

• Benicia: 21 cases
• Dixon: Fewer than 10 cases
• Fairfield: 80 cases
• Rio Vista: Fewer than 10 cases
• Suisun City: 21 cases
• Vacaville: 44 cases
• Vallejo: 266 cases
• Unincorporated areas: Fewer than 10 cases

More than half of the coronavirus deaths in Solano County — and nearly 100 of the county's cases — are related to an outbreak at the Windsor Vallejo Care Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Vallejo with an elderly population.

A total of 8,973 Solano County residents have been tested for the virus. The number of residents tested is a factor in the state's reopening process for counties.