Ventura County Public Health Officer extends stay at home order to mid-May
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The Ventura County Public Health Officer announced the stay at home order for the county is being extended, the order will be in effect from now until 11:59 p.m. on May 15. He also announced some modifications to what the order entails.
The Health Officer said Public Health would review the order again in two weeks to see if it should be extended further or shortened.
“It’s understandable that our community members want to get back to work and return to normal life as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Robert Levin. “The best path forward is a cautious one — a path that proceeds gradually,
carefully, and incrementally. A path that relies on science and facts to determine each step forward. The data is looking good, thanks to the diligence of our community members in following these Orders, but we must be cautious in how we move forward. We must continue to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19. Community members must continue to practice social distancing. In line with the Governor’s Order, we will review the Order in two weeks to assess for any further modifications.”
The modified order, however, allows exceptions for limited business operations. This includes allowing nonpublic serving businesses to operate using no more than 10 employees and allowing for gatherings of up to 5 people. It also modifies some essential businesses, allows for gatherings in motor vehicles, reopens golf courses and other forms of recreation with appropriate restrictions, allows bike shops to open and permits the in-person sale of vehicles.
“These steps are critical because we know that, while the virus poses an unprecedented health threat, efforts to stem the virus come at a significant economic and health toll as we have seen with so many business closures and lost jobs,” said Mike Powers, Ventura County CEO. “Along with the business leaders in our community, including local cities, chambers, the
Economic Development Collaborative, Women’s Economic Ventures, the Workforce Development Board, Ventura County Community Foundation and Small Business Administration, the County will continue to work to support these impacted individuals and businesses.”
However, the 19-page Order continues to protect the most vulnerable with guidance for hospitals and long-term care facilities. Those who are 70 or older with preexisting conditions and those 75 or older must remain in their residence and follow social distancing requirements as well as they possibly can.
“We are not out of the woods. We must continue to practice social distancing to protect our community. We will continue to expand our testing capacity and focus on protecting populations most at risk including seniors, homeless, and the brave farmworkers who work every day to put food on our tables,” said Powers.
