More Central Coast businesses open their doors with restrictions

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION) More businesses are opening their doors on the Central Coast with some modifications after several industries were given clearance throughout the month of June.

Tasting rooms are are open for business on the Central Coast. The state allowed them to reopen as of June 12, some are just now preparing to reopen.

KION got an inside look at Scheid Vineyards tasting room on San Carlos & 7th in Carmel Wednesday afternoon.

Masks are required when you enter the building but not during the tasting, and you’ll need to stand 6 feet apart.

You’ll notice some other changes right when you step up to the doors. A host will take down your contact information for tracing purposes and ask you to use hand sanitizer before coming in.

Inside, you'll find socially distanced tables and spaces at the counter.

Menus are thrown out after each use.

Guests can only take off masks when it’s time for the tasting. After the tasting is complete, all surfaces are disinfected before a new guest sits down.

But to get to this point, it’s been a difficult time for the wine industry, which was hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19.

“They’ve lost all of their restaurant sales while restaurants have been closed, and then they’ve also lost their ability to be in a tasting room and provide consumers with the experience of tasting wine and selling wine,” Director of Monterey County Vintners & Growers Kim Stemler said.

Stemler said the industry is expecting a $110 million loss for tasting rooms alone.

Management says they will refuse service to anyone who is not wearing a mask and they are operating under limited capacity so reservations are recommended.

In addition to bars, restaurants and wineries, fitness facilities were also allowed to reopen as early as June 12, including swimming and acquatic venues.

Central Coast swim centers are modifying their plans so guests can still get in some pool time now that they have clearance from the state.

You’ll need a mask on when you enter the Salinas Aquatic Center and when you’re walking around the pool area, but not when you’re in the water, because it’s considered exercise. 

They reopened their doors just in time for summer. But no pool parties for now. During the coronavirus pandemic, they’re all about social distancing. Only lap swimming, water walking and family swim are allowed at this time. Only one person per lane is allowed, unless you live in the same household.

“Our number one priority is our communities safety. Our staff are working hard for preventative measures to make sure that we meet our CDC guidelines and the Monterey County health guidelines as well,” Operations Director for Salinas Aquatic Center Joey Barrera said.

Aquatic center staff get their temperatures checked and health screenings. They are also more frequently disinfecting high touch surfaces and shareable items, like kick boards.

But you might be wondering–is the water safe? The CDC says there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through pool water. The agency also says proper operation and disinfection should kill the virus.

The Salinas Aquatic Center is not offering swim lessons at this time and does have special modified hours for certain activities.

To view the current pool schedule and hours, click here: https://www.centralcoastymca.org/clientuploads/PDF/Salinas%20Aquatic%20Center/2020/SAC_Pool_Schedule_JULY_2020_E.pdf

In Santa Cruz, the Simpkins Family Swim Center is also open again.