Local businesses adjust to amended and extended shelter-in-place order
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Monterey County Health Officer, Dr. Edward Moreno has issued an updated Shelter-in-Place Order. It's effective Monday, May 4th through May 31st.
It's been issued following the number of cases and deaths in the county, along with the sustained increase in confirmed cases in neighboring counties.
Modifications in this order include the easing of restrictions on construction, however they must still complying with social distancing requirements.
Plant nurseries, landscaping and gardening will now be permitted, as well as drive-in church services.
KION spoke with St. Mary of the Nativity Catholic Church in Salinas. They say they will not be using drive-in services and instead will continue to broadcast their services online. Church youth groups have also found ways to meet during the social distancing requirements through Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube.
First Baptist Church Salinas tells KION they plan on trying out a drive-in service in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, golf courses and golf driving ranges can resume to promote physical activity, but they too shall comply safety protocols.
The amended order also provides clarification on home sales and leases. For example, residential viewings should happen virtually as much as possible. Auto sales are encouraged to conduct on-line sales. Cars must also be sanitized after test drives with a limited number people.
KION spoke with Mike's Auto Sales in Salinas. They have switched to mainly doing all of their business online, with a full inventory with pictures on their website. They are also offering delivery options to reduce possible exposure in anyway. They are also doing test drives, but only members of the same family and household are allowed at a time. The cars are then sanitized after they're used or touched by customers or employees.
Fabric and craft stores selling materials to make face coverings, gowns and personal protective equipment are also permitted to operate.
All permitted activities must comply with specific activity limitations and physical distancing requirements.
