Doing business in Fresno City and Fresno County has been difficult with the many emergency orders issued. However, over the past two days, new orders were issued simplifying the business landscape.
Fresno City Emergency Order 2020-17
The City issued Order #17 in an effort to safely and responsibly open all businesses using social distancing protocols. It replaces Order #16 which was a continuation of the City’s ban on any non-essential business. Order #17 is effective until the Governor ends the State’s Stay-at-Home Order or all businesses in the City have the ability to safely and responsibly reopen.
Restaurant dining rooms may reopen today, May 21st once they notify the County Department of Public Health (DPH) and follow DPH and California guidelines and the Social Distancing Protocol (SDP) contained in Appendix A of Order #17. The SDP requires the following: Signage; measures to minimize crowds from gathering; measures to keep people six feet apart; measures to prevent unnecessary contact; and measures to increase sanitation.
Other businesses with state licenses, such as hair and nail salons may open once DPH has approved and the businesses comply with DPH, state and agency guidelines, and the SDP.
The City will consider all businesses as “Authorized” to conduct operations unless the State prohibits their opening. As of the date of Order #17, the State does not permit the following businesses to operate: Hair and nail salons; fitness studios; bars and nightclubs; entertainment venues; pro sports; indoor museums; zoos; libraries; community centers; public pools; playgrounds; convention and concert venues; festivals; theme parks; and lodging for tourism.
No one will be criminally prosecuted for a violation of Order #17 unless it is flagrant, persistent or is an immediate threat to the public health and safety.
All businesses and government facilities must require employees, customers, vendors and others to wear cloth facial coverings. Restaurant patrons may remove their masks when seated at their table. Face masks are not otherwise required.
You can read a copy of Order #17, with the SDP here: https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EMERGENCY-ORDER-2020-17_ECONOMIC-RECOVERY-OF-FRESNO-with-Modified-Appendix-A.pdf
Fresno County Department of Public Health Order Amended May 20, 2020
Any business wishing to re-open must follow State guidelines for worker and customer safety. If a business cannot comply with these guidelines, it can contact DPH with an alternative plan. They must also comply with any DPH investigation and guidance requests.
Health care providers must report patients with a febrile respiratory illness.
Agricultural employers must comply with Cal/OSHA Guidelines issued April 7, 2020.
All other employers must: Screen employees; exclude employees with febrile respiratory illness; and inform employees to isolate and inform close contacts to quarantine themselves.
County residents must: Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate themselves for 10 days; notify close contacts to self-quarantine for 14 days; and comply with DPH requests related to close contact tracing.
Workers may not return to work until 10 days after they pass a COVID-19 test, if they remain asymptomatic, or 10 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and 3 days since recovery of the symptoms, if symptomatic.
The Order instructs residents that they “should” use cloth masks or the equivalent indoors at work, while visiting a business, or coming in close contact with non-family members. The order does not mandate the use of masks, although it exempts certain persons from using them.
A copy of the DPH Order can be found here: https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/home/showdocument?id=44811
Douglas M. Larsen can be reached at [email protected] or (559) 256-5000