California to allow schools, gyms and bars reopen next week
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION and AP)
UPDATE 6/5/2020 4:30 p.m. The California Department of Public Health announced Friday that it will be allowing the reopening of schools, day camps, bars, gyms, some professional sports and more with modifications next week.
Friday afternoon, the state issued guidance for the sectors it is allowing to reopen. The recommendations go into effect on June 12, but counties may still implement more restrictive orders.
Schools
The California Department of Public Health issued updated guidance for schools. In addition to practicing social distancing and hygiene, all staff will be required to use cloth face coverings unless Cal/OSHA standards require respiratory protection.
The agency also suggests limiting shared equipment and object. They also suggest staggering pick-up and drop-off times.
To help schools as they begin to open, no-touch thermometers, face shields for teachers and students, face coverings, disposable masks, N95 masks and hand sanitizer will be distributed to schools.
Read the full updated guidance below.
Day Camps
Camps will be required to educate staff, campers and families about hygiene practices and social distancing. They are also asked to consider suspending or modifying the use of resources that involve sharing or touching items, such as drinking fountains.
The state recommends limiting use of playground equipment in favor of activities that require less contact. They are asked to limit the number of people in the camp to the number that can maintain social distancing
Read the full day camp guidance below.
Casinos Operated by Sovereign Tribal Nations
Tribal governments are asked to coordinate with local health officials in the surrounding counties or jurisdictions to see if they are ready to reopen.
The casinos will be required to provide temperature or symptom screenings for all workers, vendors, contractors and members of the public when they enter. Both workers and members of the public will be required to use protective equipment.
Lobbies, credit card machines, hand rails and other high traffic areas will need to be thoroughly cleaned, and the casinos will need to adjust or modify table or machine operating hours to provide time for regular cleaning.
When items are passed between the public and employees, such as cards or chips, they are directed to use hand sanitizer often and avoid touching eyes, noses and mouths. They are also encouraged to provide disposable gloves at each table.
Read the full casino guidance below.
Music, Film and Television Production
Music, TV and film production will be allowed to reopen starting June 12 if it is approved by county health officials.
Staff and management in offices are expected to adhere to office workspace guidelines. Industry workers will need to follow safety protocols agreed on by labor and management, which county health officers may enhance.
Read the full office workspace guidance below.
Professional Sports
Professional sports can restart training and competitions, but may not have live audiences.
Athletes, coaching staff, medical staff, broadcasting staff and others will need to follow protocols agreed on by labor and management.
Office staff should follow office workspace guidance, and retail staff should follow retail guidelines.
Read the full retail guidance below.
Campgrounds, RV Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation facilities starting June 12.
Business owners will need to provide temperature or symptom screenings for workers, vendors and contractors entering the facilities. They will also need to contact visitors with reservations ahead of their arrival to confirm it, but also check to see if anyone in the household is showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Items such as trail maps, books, magazines and self-serve stations that are not touch-less will need to me removed from reception areas. Visitors will be encouraged to pack out whatever they pack in to reduce the amount of trash staff must dispose of.
Communal spaces, such as pavilions, fire rings and public camp kitchens will need to remain closed.
Read the full campground, RV park and outdoor recreation guidance below.
Hotels
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen hotels, lodging and short-term rentals as soon as June 12.
Housekeepers and others who enter guest rooms should be provided with and wear face coverings, and they may only service rooms without guests.
Meeting venues, banquet halls and convention centers will need to remain closed. Swimming pools and splash pads need to be cleaned and disinfected before use, but saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs must stay closed.
Read the full hotel guidance below.
Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering Facilities and Racetracks
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen cardrooms, satellite wagering facilities and racetracks as soon as June 12.
The businesses will be required to provide enough time between dealer rotations for had washing, and cards need to be changed each time. The cards should be disposed of by the outgoing dealer.
Gaming tables and betting windows will also need to be spaced apart to practice social distancing.
Read the full cardroom, satellite wagering facility and racetrack guidance below.
Family Entertainment Centers
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen parks that have bowling alleys, miniature golf, arcades and more as soon as June 12. It does not include ice rinks, roller rinks, laser tag arenas, movie theaters or other venues that involve large gatherings.
Ball pits, foam pits, indoor playgrounds, climbing structures and enclosed bounce houses will need to stay closed. Business owners must install barriers or partitions between seating to minimize exposure between customers.
Read the full family entertainment center guidance below.
Restaurants, Bars and Wineries
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen restaurants, bars and wineries as soon as June 12, but they are encouraged to continue takeout and delivery whenever possible.
The businesses are encouraged to keep windows and doors open to increase air circulation, and they will need to provide menus using low-touch methods, such as disposable menus or white boards.
The businesses will not be allowed to provide shared food items, such as condiment bottles or salt and pepper shakers. They are asked to prioritize outdoor seating and curbside pickup.
The number of people at a table are limited to a household unit or people who have asked to seated together.
Read the full restaurant, bar and winery guidance below.
Fitness Facilities
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen fitness facilities as soon as June 12. Playgrounds will still need to remain closed.
Fitness centers and gyms need to develop a detailed cleaning schedule, perform thorough cleaning throughout the day, disinfect commonly used surfaces and more.
Those visiting the facilities are encouraged to bring their own towels and masks. Equipment will need to be at least six feet apart, and the front desk area should be equipped with Plexiglas or another type of barrier.
Read the full fitness facility guidance below.
Museums, Galleries, Zoos and Aquariums
Counties that have approved attestations for readiness may reopen museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums as soon as June 12.
The facilities will need to designate routes to enter and exit exhibits and viewing areas and limit the number of people visiting to support social distancing.
Tours that combine households or people from different households will need to be discontinued. Staff are also encouraged to remove or close interactive exhibits that include touch screens, handles, buttons or other high-touch surfaces.
Read the full museum, gallery, zoo and aquarium guidance below.
PREVIOUS STORY: California will begin allowing the reopening of schools, day camps, bars, gyms and some professional sports with modifications at the end of next week.
Mark Ghaly, the state's top health official, says the state will release guidance later Friday for counties to follow to reopen a broad range of businesses that have been closed since mid-March to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The rules on schools and day camps will apply statewide, but only counties that have met certain thresholds on cases, testing and preparedness will be allowed to reopen other sectors.
