Tara FinleyIn a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a set of guidelines for businesses looking to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a 5-0 vote, board members passed the guidelines set forth by Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Orange County 3rd District Supervisor Don Wagner, modeled after California Governor Gavin Newsom’s four-phase plan to reopen the state.
These new rules seek to preserve the safety of residents while allowing for county businesses to transition back to being fully operational, once the state government gives the green light.
“As we transition back to business as usual, we must do so in a manner that is conscious of the public health but also addressing the needs of businesses and their employees who need to put food on the table,” explains Chairwoman Steel. “When we talk about the business impact of COVID-19, we’re not just talking about money, we’re talking about people and their ability to provide for themselves and their families.”
“These guidelines were put together over many long meetings to ensure that all industry representatives, medical professionals, and our legal counsel had input in order to best reflect business needs while simultaneously keeping in line with public health recommendations,” furthers Supervisor Wagner.
O.C. officials announced that the county effectively flattened the curve through social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders.
Says Supervisor Wagner, “the latest data shows the county has had a significant increase in layoffs and unemployment claims. With the curve trending down and O.C. healthier than surrounding counties, we don’t want to trade one problem for a bigger problem.”
Hoping to be an example of teamwork and community collaboration, Wagner believes the new local guidelines will provide business owners the confidence and reassurance needed to function. He wants the public to know that “if they visit a business, there are ways to protect themselves and those around them” while still following all state recommendations.
Orange County Business Guidelines:
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has endorsed the following protocols. As stated below, it is important to note that these guidelines do not supersede Governor Newsom’s orders.
1. Scope: These guidelines do not supersede any conflicting or more restrictive orders issued by local governments, the State of California, or the Federal Government. These guidelines apply equally to businesses, houses of worship, entertainment and sports venues (including youth sports), and education providers, both public and private, and other organizations.
2. Sick, elderly, and vulnerable persons: Anyone who feels sick should remain at home. In addition, high-risk persons who are over 65 years of age, or suffering chronic illnesses, should continue to follow recommendations to stay at home and limit public interaction but should wear a face-covering out for medical and dental appointments, as needed.
3. Physical Distancing in the Workplace: Physical distancing of a minimum of six feet should be maintained between customer-facing employees and the general public, and – to the extent practical – between employee workstations. Where six feet of physical distancing between workstations is impractical, face coverings should be worn. Businesses are encouraged to allow telecommuting by employees when practical.
4. Handwashing, Personal Protective Equipment, and Testing: Employers doing business in Orange County should require all customer-facing employees every 30 minutes to either wash their hands or use hand sanitizer, or wear disposable gloves. Face coverings should be provided to all employees. All employees, before starting a shift, should have their temperatures taken and not be permitted to work upon a temperature reading above 100.4 degrees.
Businesses should make every effort to limit touch points. Businesses should significantly increase the frequency of sanitizing workstations and equipment that come into contact with the general public. Face coverings and gloves should be worn by all customer-facing employees. Visitors to business establishments should also wear appropriate face coverings. Physical barriers are preferred, if available, but are not required as the general public will make individualized decisions about which businesses to patronize.
For the benefit of the public and employees, handwashing or hand sanitizing should be done as soon as possible following the handling of materials that come in contact with the general public.
5. County Facilities: Persons accessing County facilities, including County parks, beaches, and trails, should follow state guidance regarding physical distancing and the use of face coverings.
6. Vendor Compliance: Businesses should attempt to assure compliance with these guidelines by all vendors; failure of a vendor to adhere to these guidelines may subject the vendor to law enforcement action.
7. Further Action as Necessary: The Orange County Board of Supervisors reserves the right to modify these guidelines as circumstances warrant. Specifically, the Board of Supervisors recognizes that additional restrictions not reflected herein may be needed to address the health and safety of certain populations depending upon their age or underlying health concerns, or otherwise to address medical issues as they arise.
For more information about the Orange County Board of Supervisors’ decisions, visit ocgov.com
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