Monterey County implementing new Shelter in Place order with more emphasis on social distancing

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Monterey County officials announced today that they would be implementing a revised Shelter in Place order, and they said it will include more restrictive measures to promote social distancing.

Dr. Ed Moreno said that since the implementation of social distancing, the rise in coronavirus cases has slowed down. Moreno said in the first few days after it appeared in the county, it appeared that it would be a rapid rise.

The new Shelter in Place order goes into effect Friday night and will stay in effect through May 3. The goal of the more restrictive measures is to increase social distancing, prevent vulnerable populations from dying and protect the health care system.

Under the new order, there is a greater emphasis on employers to direct employees to work from home. It also requires essential services to develop, post and implement social distancing in facilities and outdoor work areas.

The county said some businesses have already taken those measures, but businesses should do it to protect employees and those who go to the business for essential services.

The number of people in a facility will be limited and they must be 6 feet apart. Essential businesses will be required to provide hand sanitizer, soap and water. They will also switch to contact-less payment so people do not have to touch equipment to pay. Businesses will have to establish regular cleaning schedules and post signs saying that those who are sick should not enter the business.

The order also clarifies limitations on outdoor acitvity. The goal is to reduce crowding at parks and not allow use of "high-touch areas" of parks, such as playground equipment. It also prohibits the use of shared facilities for recreational purposes, for instance, golf, tennis and team sport fields.

Officials shared concerns that funeral gatherings could lead to clusters of outbreaks in Monterey County, so there will be restrictions to funerals as well. The county is asking community members to delay memorial services and limit funerals to 10 people.

Construction projects are also facing more detailed limitations. Construction for essential infrastructure, affordable housing, public works projects, shelters for vulnerable populations and healthcare facilities will be allowed.

It clarifies that residential transactions can happen virtually or by appointment only. No more than two people from the same household can visit the property at a time. Only one person showing the property can be there at a time too. No inhabitants of the property can be there when the house is being shown.

Landscapers and gardeners can still provide services to maintain safety and sanitation for businesses and residents, but cannot provide services for cosmetic reasons.

Under the order, residents are allowed to drive to open space parks for exercise.

Rules relating to liquor stores and dispensaries have not changed since the previous Shelter in Place order.

The California Department of Public Health issued new guidance on using cloth face coverings and recommends that people use them when they leave their homes for essential activities, but it should not give a false sense of security and lead us to believe that we do not need to practice social distancing.

Officials said we do not have to go very far to recognize the impact of coronavirus and pointed to Santa Clara County. They said that at the peak of the surge, we could see hospitals exceed capacity, and that will present problems for providing care to residents.

Monterey County is still expecting more cases, so officials said as time goes on, we will see how long the pandemic will last. They said social distancing guidelines will last until there is some form of treatment or vaccine available.

Area hospitals are continuing to work to increase the number of beds, according to the county. They are working together to identify patients who hospitals may not be able to provide care for. Those who do not necessarily need extensive medical care or hospitalization may be sent to an alternative care site.

Read the full order below for more details.