Restaurants advised to limit occupancy by as much as 50 percent for social distancing

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a new set of guidelines today that will require changes from many in the community. The Governor advised all seniors age 65 and older, and individuals with underlying health conditions to remain at home in isolation. He also called for bars and wineries to close. Restaurants can remain open but are advised to limit occupancy—by as much as half—in order to achieve social distancing.

The City of Paso Robles urges local residents and businesses to adhere to these guidelines.

Residents are also encouraged to practice social distancing as recommended by public health officials in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This requires minimizing gatherings to the greatest extent possible and maintaining space of approximately six feet between individuals when gatherings cannot be cancelled or postponed.

The Paso Robles Unified School District will be closed from March 16th until April 13th. 

Most City services are essential for the well-being of the community and will continue; many will be in a modified form in order to maintain social distancing.  Thus, the City has modified programs and meetings that involve group gatherings. For a full list of modifications, please visit the City web site

Several of these modifications deserve special note.  Non-emergency Police calls will be handled by officers over the phone.  Among other benefits, this will reduce response times.  (See the separate media release from the Police Department).  Persons are requested to call in to the City for as much other business as possible using the City directory.  

The City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th will be held as scheduled with social distancing implemented; residents are encouraged to live stream the meeting on YouTube and can call 888-867-1694 to provide public comment via phone.

Employers who are experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the Coronavirus canapply for an Unemployment Insurance work sharing program through the California Employee Development Department (EDD). Individuals who are unable to work due to exposure to COVID-19 can also file a Disability Insurance claim with EDD.  

Please continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines to prevent illness and continue to stay apprised of current information regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in San Luis Obispo County at www.readyslo.org.