Stage 2 attestation approved by Monterey County Supervisors, now heads to state

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the County Health Officer to send attestation to the state for expanding phase 2. If the attestation is approved by the state, dine-in restaurants and schools would be allowed to reopen with some modifications.

This comes after weeks of sheltering in place and closed store fronts, prividing some hope for businesses and customers alike.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that in-person religious services and on-site retail would be allowed to resume, as well, as long as certain guidelines are followed.

The county said that these activities are automatically approved in Monterey County since the county shelter in place order aligned with the state for early stage two.

Salinas residents KION spoke with say opening up stores again will help bring back a sense of normalcy.

“It would be nice for the community to see that things are going back to normal again and that we can go back to normal and that it’s not going to be like this forever and that it’ll get better,” Salinas resident Elizabeth Ledesma said.

We reached out to the Northridge Mall, one of the most popular shopping destinations in Salinas, to find out their plans for reopening.

In a statement to KION, General Manager Susan Causey said, "we are currently following state guidelines and will work with state and local officials to ensure a smooth opening."

She added that each tenant will have their own timeline for when they choose to reopen.

It’s unclear exactly when the Northridge mall will open but the Causey said it's a seven-day process for the property to prepare and they’ll support individual tenants choosing their timelines for re-opening.

The Northridge Mall said they have a comprehensive plan that they will share with the public closer to an opening date. 

The health department said once retail businesses have met all of the criteria in State issued guidance, they can reopen.

Monterey County also has more plans to expand reopening. The Board of Supervisors approved sending a plan to the state Tuesday that would allow for dine-In restaurants and schools to open with some limitations.

“This is one more step in the right direction, but it’s not taken without preparation, without concern, without some reservation,” Supervisor Chris Lopez said.

In order for this expanded stage two to go into effect, the county must prove that they’ve met certain health requirements to the state, outlined in an attestation document. The state will review that plan and it will be posted to the state website when approved.

Governor Newsom announced Tuesday that barber shops and salons can reopen, but Monterey County will have to wait until the attestation is approved by the state. 

If the county receives approval, the health department said they plan on allowing barber shops, salons and dine-in restaurants to open.

Under the stage 2 expansion, businesses would have to operate under limitations and follow guidelines to protect customers and employees from exposure to COVID-19.

Businesses must train employees on new business practices prior to reopening. They will also have to complete and post social distancing protocol for employees and customers to see.  

The health department says once businesses have met all of the state criteria, they do not have to submit a plan to the county.  

The state has a webpage with guidance on steps businesses can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Click here to view industry-specific checklists for businesses to post in their workplaces.