With new guidelines released by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, California retailers are implementing a checklist of safety protocols as part of the state’s Phase 2 reopening.
Stores that sell clothing, toys, books, flowers and sporting goods are now open for curbside pickup, and it’s an important step for brick-and-mortar retailers, Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailers Association, told the Northern California Record.
“They haven’t lifted the stay-at-home order, but business owners are grateful for any opportunity to get business going again,” Michelin said.
The state’s “Resilience Roadmap,” provides specific guidelines for retail and 16 other industries.
“As we kick off curbside pickup, PPE (personal protective equipment) will be being worn by associates, there will be more signage about safety measures, and touchless transactions,” Michelin said.
The decision to begin Phase 2 was based on data showing California flattening the COVID-19 infection curve and also having enough hospital beds, ventilators, and PPE to deal with a potential increase in cases.
“…Our health data tells us that California can enter the next stage of this pandemic and gradually begin to restart portions of our economy,” Newsom said in a news release. “It’s critical that businesses and employers understand how they can reduce the risk of transmission and better protect their workers and customers. COVID-19 will be present in our communities until there is a vaccine or therapeutic, and it will be up to all of us to change our behavior and eliminate opportunities for the disease to spread.”
Counties with lower infection rates may soon be able to relax more restrictions.
“You might see parts of the state opening brick-and-mortar a little bit faster, Michelin said. “Besides these general guidelines for the state, counties have the ability to dialog with the Governor’s Office and move a little bit further down the path. Counties that meet the criteria can make their own decisions for their own communities as far as what this reopening is going to look like.”
Six counties in and around the San Francisco Bay area have elected to delay moving into Phase 2 until at least May 31, according to a report posted by CBSN.