County clarifies recommendations and restrictions for four more types of businesses, activities

San Luis Obispo—While the County of San Luis Obispo and the State continue their Shelter at Home Orders, County officials are finding ways to clarify restrictions and update guidance while still keeping the community healthy.

“We know some residents are concerned that we are relaxing restrictions too fast and others are concerned that we are taking too long,” County Administrative Officer and Emergency Services Director Wade Horton said. “Our decisions are based on data – our case count and hospitalization trends for the last 14 days.”

County officials clarified today that effective immediately, certain businesses and activities can operate under the current Shelter at Home orders:

  • Houses of worship can have drive-in services, as long as individuals remain in their vehicles and physical distancing is adhered to. Physical sharing or passing of items is highly discouraged.
  • Janitorial and housekeeping services can operate, as long as individuals observe the Public

Health Department’s recommendations for physical distancing, face coverings, and hygiene.

  • Retail stores that sell fabric can operate, using the current Public Health recommendations; this will allow community members to make face coverings.
  • Drive-in theaters can operate and must observe Public Health Department guidance.

The County’s Shelter at Home order is meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 in San Luis Obispo County by ensuring that most people self-quarantine in their places of residence to the greatest extent possible, while enabling essential services to continue. New cases of COVID-19 in SLO County have slowed over the past 14 days, and officials are taking that information into account when updating guidance and recommendations. The County is simultaneously working with community partners to develop a phased reopening plan for use after the governor lifts the state order.

“We are not returning to business as usual. This does not mean people can ignore the Shelter at Home order,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, the County Health Officer. “People should still stay home as much as possible, stay home if they are sick, wash their hands frequently, maintain a safe six feet of physical distance from others when outside of the home, and wear face coverings when they cannot keep a safe six feet from others.”

Find guidelines and a list of business types that can remain open at ReadySLO.org.

For more information from Wednesday’s press briefing, visit here.