Several Monterey County businesses cited for violating health orders related to pandemic
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Monterey County officials said several local businesses have been cited for violating health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the businesses, such as The Gym 24/7, have been cited multiple times.
The businesses are:
- Plaza Linda- Carmel Valley Village
- Panaderia Y Paleterra Michoacan- Pajaro/Watsonville
- Bagel Bakery- Carmel Rancho Shopping Center
- Farm Fresh Produce- Moss Landing
- Head Honchoz- Prunedale
- The Gym 24/7- Salinas
Citations can cost up to $800. The county said 11 citations were issued, and 20 other businesses are on the "watch list" for violations. Health officials said they want businesses to follow health orders to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
"Issuing a notice of violation that says your permit may be suspended is not intended for us to close that operation, but to make sure they understand consequences of continued non-compliance and that they must comply with the requirements of the face coverings just like everyone else," said John Ramirez with Monterey County Environmental Health.
The businesses can continue to operate if they are cited, according to county health, and they can either pay all penalties or face a judge.
Monterey County is currently in the purple tier of the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, meaning many non-essential indoor business operations are closed. When the county's adjusted case rate is below 7.1 and the positivity rate is below 8.1 for two weeks, more indoor operations will be allowed to reopen.
Aloha Coffee was originally included in the list of businesses cited for violating COVID-19 related health orders, but the county confirms that the original citation for face coverings was an error.
"While that citation was in error, this business still is facing an Health Department Notice of Violation for food handlers not wearing face coverings. This is a notification given to food facilities, which the Health Department does have jurisdiction. This was observed by the county's inspection team," said Maia Carroll with Monterey County.
