Retail businesses in California have been given the greenlight to allow in-store shopping by the California Department of Public Health on Monday as the state begins to lift shutdown orders issued in March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Individual county public health departments have the final say on when stores can reopen. It's unclear when Los Angeles County might lift its restrictions on in-store retail shopping. Over the weekend, county health officials allowed stores inside enclosed shopping malls to reopen, but only for curbside pickup service.
“Thank you, Governor Newsom. As we continue to battle this virus, this policy will make all the difference to the small businesses in our communities that are struggling to survive this crisis,'' County Supervisor Janice Hahn tweeted Monday.
Reopened stores will still have to observe certain health precautions, including social distancing requirements.
Businesses that are not allowed to open include more personal services, such as hair salons, nail salons and barbershops.
Monday's announcement came as Gov. Gavin Newsom released guidelines for resuming in-person services at churches and other houses of worship.
“Together, our actions have helped bend the curve and reduce infections in our state. As sectors continue to open with changes that aim to lower risk, remember that COVID-19 is still present in our communities,'' said Dr. Sonia Angell, the state's public health officer and director of the health department. “As more of us may be leaving our homes, keeping physical distance, wearing face coverings in public, and washing your hands frequently are more important than ever to help protect yourself and those around you.''
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