Sacramento County releases amended health order aimed at slowing coronavirus resurgence
An amended Sacramento County health ordered went into effect Thursday afternoon, officially starting a three-week ban on indoor operations for restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses as authorities try to stall a resurgence in a climbing number of COVID-19 cases.
The businesses that can no longer have customers or visitors indoors include zoos, museums, cardrooms and family entertainment venues, according to a county news release. An increasing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations for those infected with the coronavirus has health officials worried as a three-day Fourth of July weekend approaches.
All bars, pubs, breweries, wineries and tasting rooms must close and end both indoor and outdoor operations, according to the county’s amended health order that went into effect at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Bars, both indoor and outdoor, have additional risk factors because they provide a social setting where typically small groups convene and possibly mix with other groups, according to the amended health order.
The health order also indicated that bar customers drink alcohol, which slows brain activity, reduces inhibition and impairs judgment, which can lead to people not using a mask or staying 6 feet away from others. Loud environments typically seen in bars could lead to raised voices and a greater projection of oral droplets that spread the virus.
Restaurant indoor seating must close
All restaurants must close indoor customer seating, use outdoor seating and comply with state coronavirus protocols for dine-in restaurants. The health order instructs restaurants to continue to encourage takeout and delivery service whenever possible.
Family entertainment venues in Sacramento County may continue to offer outdoor services to visitors and they must comply with state coronavirus protocols. Drive-in movie theaters must also follow state guidance if they wish continue operating during the three-week closure period.
Indoor movie theaters and cardrooms have been instructed to close.
Zoos and museums can continue to operate their outdoor attractions, but indoor operations must close. Officials at the Sacramento Zoo, a mainly outdoor facility, announced Wednesday their facility will remain open.
The county’s amended order follows Gov. Gavin Newsom announcement Wednesday that the California Department of Public Health was requiring these indoor operations to cease in 19 counties with alarming COVID-19 rates. The state Office of Emergency Services has launched strike teams to work with local health officials to target businesses that aren’t complying.
Sacramento County was one of those counties with worsening COVID-19 numbers. As of Thursday morning, the county has reported 3,559 total infections and 69 fatalities from the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The county reported 162 new cases and one new death Thursday.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 3:46 PM.
