Earlier today, Governor Newsom announced that California would be moving to an Early Phase Stage 2 reopening starting tomorrow, May 8th. Under the directive, lower risk workplaces and businesses will be allowed to reopen initially. Then, within the next several weeks, if COVID-19 testing data continues to show a flattening of the curve, the State will be transitioning to a Later Phase Stage 2 reopening that will further loosen business and workplace restrictions.
“We are encouraged by the State’s announcement today that certain businesses will now be opening,” said Mayor Lyn Semeta. “With this transition, we’re now starting the process of working to safely bring our economy back online, which is a long-awaited move that all of us here in Huntington Beach have been eagerly awaiting. I would urge everyone to continue to practice safe social distancing as businesses start to reopen in the coming days. All of us are anxious to see a rapid return to our pre-COVID-19 lives.”
The new State directives related to the Early Phase Stage 2 reopening include the following:
- CAN Open Friday, May 8, With Modifications
- According to the State, during the Early Phase Stage 2 reopening, effective Friday, May 8, curbside retail pickup / delivery will be allowed in industries including, but not limited to, the following:
- Bookstores
- Jewelry stores
- Toy stores
- Clothing stores
- Shoe stores
- Home and furnishing stores
- Sporting goods stores
- Antique stores
- Music stores
- Florists
- According to the State, during the Early Phase Stage 2 reopening, effective Friday, May 8, curbside retail pickup / delivery will be allowed in industries including, but not limited to, the following:
- In addition, supply chains supporting the above businesses, in manufacturing and logistics sectors, can also reopen during the Early Phase Stage 2 reopening.
- CANNOT Open on Friday, May 8th
- Hospitality services, such as bars and lounges
- Dine-in restaurants (other facility amenities, like bars or gaming areas, are not permitted)
- Destination retail, including shopping malls and swap meets
- Personal services, including car washes, pet grooming, tanning facilities, and landscape gardening
- Personal services such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and fitness studios
- Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Outdoor museums and open gallery spaces
- Entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, gaming facilities, and pro sports
- Indoor museums, kids museums and gallery spaces, zoos, and libraries
- Community centers, including public pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas
- Religious services and cultural ceremonies
- Nightclubs
- Concert venues
- Festivals
- Theme parks
- Hotels/lodging for leisure and tourism
In addition, based on the Governor’s announcement, given that the threat of COVID-19 is still present, all Early Phase Stage 2 businesses must also take steps to reduce the possibility of infection by performing a detailed risk assessment and developing a plan to protect others; train employees to limit the spread and screen for symptoms; and implement disinfecting, social distancing, and other preventative protocols.
More detailed guidance specific to your industry regarding the Early Phase Stage 2 reopening plan and a checklist that must be completed prior to reopening can be found online at the following address: https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/
Moving ahead, the announcement today from the State also included a reference to a Later Phase Stage 2 reopening. If the data shows that the COVID-19 curve continues to be flattened in the coming weeks, the State will be transitioning to a Later Phase Stage 2 status. Under that protocol, the following businesses will be allowed to reopen:
- WILL EVENTUALLY be Opened During a Later Phase Stage 2 Reopening
- Destination retail, including shopping malls and swap meets
- Personal services, limited to: car washes, pet grooming, tanning facilities, and landscape gardening
- Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
- Dine-in restaurants (other facility amenities, like bars or gaming areas, are not permitted)
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Outdoor museums and open gallery spaces
As policies are updated or modified, they will be posted on the City’s HB Ready website at www.HBready.com. For questions about City policies and services, please call our Call Center at (714) 536-5511.
