State announces reopening of in-store retail shopping

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION) The California Department of Public Health announced that it is allowing the reopening of in-store retail shopping statewide.

Stores can open for in-store shopping under guidance previously issued that now applies to the whole state, but counties still may have more restrictive Shelter in Place orders than the state.

Retailers will be required to create a worksite-specific COVID-19 prevention plan, train employees on how to prevent the spread of disease, provide temperature and/or symptom screenings before shifts, provide protective equipment to employees, follow cleaning protocols, implement physical distancing, increase pick up and delivery options and limit the number of people in the store at a time.

The state says stores should close break rooms, discontinue product sampling, dedicate shopping hours for vulnerable populations and create curbside pickup points.

"Together, our actions have helped bend the curve and reduce infections in our state. As sectors continue to open with changes that aim to lower risk, remember that COVID-19 is still present in our communities," said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. "As more of us may be leaving our homes, keeping physical distance, wearing face coverings in public, and washing your hands frequently are more important than ever to help protect yourself and those around you."

Previously, retailers could only open for in-store shopping if the county was approved to go further into the reopening process.

Retailers do not include personal services, such as hair salons, nail salons and barber shops.

Santa Cruz County is expected to issue an updated Shelter in Place order Tuesday allowing retailers to reopen as long as they meet state guidelines.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors is meeting Tuesday, and the agenda said the county's Health Officer is preparing to submit an attestation to the Department of Public Health in hopes of moving into Stage 2 of reopening. Once it is approved, the board's report says the health officer will modify the current Shelter in Place order to allow whatever the state allows.

Read more state guidelines below.