Monterey County extends Shelter in Place order with modifications

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Monterey County's Health Officer has issued a revised Shelter in Place order. It will no longer be over on May 3, but it does modify some restrictions.

The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on May 4 and will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 31 unless it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended by the health officer.

The county said in the order that since the Shelter in Place order began, it has taken longer for confirmed COVID-19 cases to double and has allowed more time for hospitals and clinics to implement safety measures.

Under the revised order, use of golf courses and golf driving ranges are allowed to be used for physical activity, but golfers will still have to follow social distancing requirements.

The order clarifies residential transactions that include rentals, leases, home sales and vehicle sales.

Fabric and craft stores can sell materials used to create face coverings, gowns and personal protective equipment.

Faith-based services can be provided using streaming or other technology, bur drive-in services are also allowed,

“A phased approach to removing restrictions will allow our county to continue to slow the spread of virus and keep pressure off our health care system. Easing some restrictions, when combined with recent increases in testing capacity for COVID-19 and the use of face coverings, can continue to slow the spread of the virus while allowing some residents to return to work," Dr. Ed Moreno said.

Residents are still ordered to only leave their homes for essential activities.

Read the full order below.

Read the Golf Safety Protocal appendix here and the Small Construction Project Safety Protocol here.