As Orange County moves into Stage 2 of its phased reopening plan, the clarity of California’s state-wide stay-at-home order – which is still in effect – has become blurred.

On Thursday, June 12, the Interim County Health Officer Clayton Chau approved Orange County to allow dine-in at restaurants and bars, along with the reopening of gyms and other amenities.

However, California’s COVID-19 website, which was updated on June 16, currently states that all travel is still only currently permitted for work, local shopping and other permitted errands, under its stay-at-home order.

“All individuals living in the State of California are currently ordered to stay home or at their place of residence,” the “Stay home Q&A” section of the website reads.

Still, while California’s original stay-at-home order, which was issued on March 19,  has since been updated to reflect progress against the pandemic, there seems to be little concern with local governments trying to enforce people to stay home.

Newport Beach was packed during the county’s first weekend with dine-in at restaurants.

Life Continues mid-COVID

Yet, the California COVID-19 website continually cites the need to limit time outside of the home, and suggests using technology to communicate with loved ones, due to the risk of COVID-19 which “continues to be fatal.”

Officially, California, along with Orange County, moved into Stage 2 on May 8. However, the county cannot move into stage 3 until the state is allowed to proceed.

A passage from the county’s attestation form, submitted by former County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick on May 18, implies that regardless of how quickly the county moves through Stage 2, further advancement is dependent on the state:

“Any sector that is reflective of Stage 3 should not be included in this variance because it is not allowed until the State proceeds into Stage 3.”

Within Stage 2, Orange County reopening will begin with “lower risk workplaces with adaptations,” including:

  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Offices (when telework not possible)
  • Outdoor Museums
  • Limited Personal Services

For now, it is undetermined when California will move into Stage 3, which will “phase in higher risk workplaces at a pace designed to protect public health and safety, beginning with limited personal care and recreational venues (with workplace modifications),” according to California’s Resilience Roadmap.

Although, as of Tuesday June 16, California announced that nail salons and tattoo parlors can reopen businesses, with modifications on Friday, June 19.

Personal care services like nail salons and tattoo parlors are currently listed as higher risk workplaces, under Stage 3.

But, reopening and advancing into Stages 3 and 4 are ultimately contingent on local data. The state and county will continue to “monitor critical indicators and alter scope of reopening if necessary to protect public health and safety,” according to COVID-19.ca.gov.

As more amenities open to the public, Orange County health officials will watch health data closely.

The county’s criteria for advancing into Stage 3 requires stable or decreasing hospitalizations.

“Stable hospitalizations of COVID individuals on a 7-day average of daily percent change of less than 5% OR no more than 20 COVID hospitalizations on any single day in the past 14 days,” per COVID19.ca.gov.

Currently, Orange County is experiencing the highest increase in ICU patients over a two-week average. ICU hospitalizations have increased 12.8 percent over the last 14 days, according to the Orange County Health Agency.

Orange County also reported its highest daily number of cases with 300, on June 13.

California’s stay at home order is currently not expected to be lifted until the state reaches Stage 4, which will also welcome back mass gatherings, concerts and sporting events with fans.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.