Alameda County Health Officer Issues New Orders For Business Reopening

Press release from the City of Dublin:

May 18, 2020

The Alameda County Health Officer has issued new orders today, allowing some additional businesses to resume operations on a limited scale, and permitting highly regulated vehicle-based gatherings.

Given that new cases of COVID-19 have been stable or decreasing, allowing for sufficient capacity in local hopitals, and daily testing for the virus has increased each day, Bay Area health officers issued a joint statement, allowing for retail establishments to begin storefront pick-up; and enabling manufacturing, warehousing, and logistical operations that support retail businesses to also resume. All businesses in operation must follow social distancing and public health guidance to protect its employees and customers. Businesses must continue to enforce physical distancing which includes:

• Continuing teleworking for those employees who can do so.
• Staggering employee breaks.
• Training employees on proper methods to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Establishing disinfection protocols for routine and deep cleaning of businesses.
• The wearing of protective face coverings and maintaining a distance of six feet from other employees.

These orders do not include the opening of office workplaces, malls, or restaurants (other than for take-out dining).

The new order also allows for vehicle-based gatherings of up to 200 cars for up to three-hour events. The car gatherings must be invitation-only events with security present. Occupants must be of the same household; wear face coverings if car windows are open; and remain in cars at all times (other than to use a restroom). No food or drink at these gatherings will be permitted.

Residents are still to shelter at home; wear facial coverings when visiting essential businesses; and maintaining a distance of six feet of others.

List of businesses allowed and not yet allowed to operate with restrictions.

View the full order.

This press release was produced by the Town of Dublin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.