California health officials said on Monday that subject to approval by the regional public health department, all retail stores could be reopened to shop inside stores under previously issued guidelines.
Existing guidelines for retailers, which previously only applied to countries approved for wider reopening, now apply throughout the state. Retail can be opened for in-store shopping throughout California. Retail does not include personal services such as hair salons, nail salons and haircuts.
This marks the latest step to slowly reopen the California economy amid a coronavirus outbreak.
Some officials have pushed to move, hoping to give small businesses the same playing field as the big chains.
“Thank you, Governor Newsom. As we continue to fight this virus, this policy will make all the difference for small businesses in our community who are struggling to survive this crisis,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn on Twitter on Monday.
It was unclear on Monday whether health officials in District A. would adjust their reopening guidelines with respect to the country’s declaration.
California also released a new coronavirus health guidance for religious services on Monday, said houses of worship must limit total attendance to 25% of the building’s capacity and stop distributing plates, in addition to taking other precautions.
13-page document, released by the California Department of Public Health and Cal / OSHA, does not require churches, mosques, temples and other places of worship to continue personal activities, officials said.
In fact, the state health authority strongly recommends that places of worship “continue to facilitate remote services and other related activities for those who are vulnerable to COVID19 including older adults and those who have comorbidities.”
