By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
With the easing of more restrictions in the statewide stay-at-home order, retail and related manufacturing businesses in San Diego County can begin opening tomorrow, but only for delivery or curbside pickup.
Retail and manufacturing businesses are being allowed to reopen because they represent a lower risk of spreading COVID-19. They include shops that sell books, shoes, clothing, music, jewelry and sporting goods among others.
When businesses open their doors, they must do it safely. They are not allowed to have customers inside and must prepare and post a Safe Reopening Plan to ensure the safety of employees and the public.
The plan also ensures proper sanitation, physical distancing and general business practices. Businesses should also review and refer to the state checklist for their specific industry, such as the Retailer guidance and checklist, when completing the County plan.“Businesses should make sure that the social distancing and face covering guidelines are being followed,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “These guidelines remain in place to protect San Diegans from getting and spreading the virus.”
Business owners needing clarification of the reopening guidelines can email questions to: COVID19BusinessQuestions@sdcounty.ca.gov.
The state announced new guidelines that would allow some counties to reopen at a faster rate. However, no large jurisdictions in California is expected to meet the new metrics, which include no COVID-19 deaths over a 14-day period. As a result, San Diego County’s reopening is expected to stay consistent with state guidance.
COVID-19 Testing in San Diego
The County’s Live Well Mobile Office will be offering COVID-19 testing in Southeastern San Diego on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Euclid Health Center, 292 Euclid Ave. An appointment through 2-1-1 is necessary, and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
COVID-19 testing remains available at local hospitals, medical groups, some community clinics and private labs.
The state also has three testing sites – in Escondido, El Cajon and Chula Vista – that are offering free testing by appointment Monday through Friday. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling (888) 634-1123.
Planning also is underway to deploy the County Library’s bookmobiles and other County vehicles for testing throughout the region.
