Coronavirus updates: SLO County businesses, restaurants allowed to reopen soon
Since March, 247 San Luis Obispo County residents have tested positive for coronavirus. One new COVID-19 cases was reported Monday.
On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new criteria for counties to begin moving through Phase 2 of the state’s reopening guide.
And according to Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo meets the state’s criteria — so what does that mean for local restaurants?
Here are your coronavirus updates for Tuesday:
SLO County could reopen for business soon, after state eases its criteria
San Luis Obispo County officials said they believe the county will be able to enter the next level of the state’s phased reopening plan — which includes allowing for in-restaurant dining and the full reopening of retail stores — in the coming days, though they did not have a specific day on which it could happen.
The announcement came after Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed Monday that 53 of the state’s 58 counties will be allowed to enter a deep Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, marking a significant step toward re-starting of California’s economy.
The county must now submit paperwork to the state showing that it meets the new requirements. The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will consider the attestation at its meeting Tuesday.
How will SLO County restaurants look when they reopen?
Newsom recently released new guidelines for social distancing and health regulations in restaurants once California counties enter the next phase of the state’s reopening plan.
The guidelines lay out a plan for restaurants that is drastically different than what they are used to — and many local owners are concerned whether they can successfully make the transition.
Under the new guidelines, reservations will be more important and people may be asked to wait in their car until a table becomes available. The plan also calls for limited occupancy and required masks and gloves for wait staff.
SLO County sheriff needs $4.2 million to cover staffing costs
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is expected to ask the Board of Supervisors Tuesday for $4.2 million the agency says is the result of unbudgeted salary, benefit, and overtime costs..
The sheriff’s budget request is a consequence of labor agreements signed last year after the current budget was approved, and not the result of a recent 75% increase in deputies patrolling county streets, spokesman Tony Cipolla said Monday.
However, the county’s staff report anticipates nearly $200,000 of the Sheriff’s Office’s expected $2.5 million overtime overage by the fiscal year’s end is a result of COVID-19 impacts.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 10:49 AM.
