San Benito County released guidance for various sectors Thursday. See the latest below:
PLACES OF WORSHIP/WEDDING GUIDANCE
The State of California has expanded the Place of Worship guidance to include not only outdoor religious services, but cultural services, constitutionally protected activities and weddings (religious or non-religious) provided that physical distancing is practiced. Indoor venues are limited to 25% capacity or 100 people whichever is fewer even if the ceremony is held in a secular venue. Outdoor venues are limited by their natural limits depending on the size of the space that permits the distancing required in the guidance and approved by the local health officer. It should be noted that this guidance is specific to the wedding ceremony and wedding receptions/parties are not permitted at this time. San Benito County Public Health Department cannot predict in advance when larger gatherings and receptions will be permitted as it will depend on public health metrics, and state guidance.
The County is asking all businesses and activities to self-certify that they are complying with the state guidance by posting the San Benito County Self Certification Placard in public view – placard link here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Q: Is a secular wedding held at a non-place-of-worship venue allowed at this time?
A: Yes, secular weddings are permitted under the same parameters as religious and following the guidance even in a non-religious venue.
Q: What is the capacity for an outdoor wedding?
A: The local Health Officer approves any outdoor venue without specified limit that permits appropriate social distancing between members of different households and does not encourage close interaction between persons of different households such as during photographs.
Q: Can I have a wedding reception?
A: Wedding receptions and/or parties are not allowed at this time.
Q: Can I have a quinceañera or sweet sixteen party?
A: Cultural ceremonies are considered religious rites. Wedding receptions, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteen parties are celebrations and therefore not permitted.
Additional language options and most current information can be found here.
SPORTS GUIDANCE
Organized contact sports with coaches and athletes from different households increase the potential for exposure/spread of COVID-19. To date, the State has not released any specific guidance around organized sports for youth and/or adults. Such sports include but are not limited to basketball, baseball, soccer, and football that are held at parks, fields, open areas, and courts. At this time, these types of sports are only permitted within members of the same household.
The County has continued to work with the State regarding guidance and questions concerning organized sports. It should be noted, playgrounds and/or high touch areas shall remain closed, i.e. picnic tables, BBQ areas, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
| Q: | Do local sports organizations i.e. Pop Warner, Little League fall under any of the current guidance? |
| A: | No. Youth sports are not currently permitted. Guidance specific to youth sports will be issued later in Stage 3. |
| Q: | Are sports day camps allowed as part of the day camp guidance? |
| A: | No, youth sports will be considered in a separate guidance released later in Stage 3. |
| Q: | Are distanced drills and conditioning activities allowed for youth? |
| A: | Yes, distanced drills and conditioning activities are allowed provided they comply with the gym and fitness center guidance. |
| Q: | Can our team have games, scrimmages and/or spectators? |
| A: | No. Games, scrimmages, and spectators are not currently permitted. |
| Q: | Are parks open for outdoor activities? |
| A: | Yes, provided they comply with the outdoor activities guidance. |
Additional language options and most current information can be found here.
WORKPLACE GUIDANCE
How is Coronavirus spread?
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. In general, the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.
What is person-to-person spread?
The virus is transmitted between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
What is asymptomatic spread?
COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath. Even people without symptoms can carry the COVID-19 virus and spread it to others. This is called asymptomatic spread.
What is community spread?
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in areas such as workplaces, stores, events and gatherings. Some people may not know how or where they became infected.
Are there other ways the virus can be spread?
Although it is thought that the virus is spread primarily person-to-person, it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
What are the implications of community spread for the workforce?
Community spread of COVID-19 is happening throughout San Benito County. Because all of the community is at risk, everyone, including our workforce, must be vigilant about preventive measures known to minimize exposure to COVID-19. These include using facial coverings, maintaining physical distance (6 feet or more) and frequent hand washing/sanitizing. If a worker is sick, they should go home immediately. These measures allow workers to continue to work as long as they do not have symptoms.
What if a worker has had direct contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19?
People who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 are reported to public health departments. Public health staff makes contact with these people and determine with whom they have been in close contact. Public health staff reaches out to these close contacts and determine the need for further actions such as continuing to work, quarantine, isolation and the need for testing. Workers with direct contact to a COVID-19 patient should continue to work as long as they don’t have symptoms and can maintain physical distance of 6 feet and use facial coverings. Workers who are well, but who have a family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor immediately, follow workplace protocols and follow CDC and public health recommendations and instructions. Additional steps may need to be taken to protect co-workers and the community (see below).
What if a worker has had indirect contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case?
Indirect contact means a person has not had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and therefore is unlikely to become infected. Indirect contact could include being near a person from a household of a confirmed case, being in the vicinity (beyond 6 feet) of a confirmed case or touching a potentially COVID-19 contaminated surface. Workers with indirect contact to a COVID-19 case may continue to work as long as they don’t have symptoms. Workers should continue to follow prevention measures such as the use of facial coverings, maintaining physical distance (6 feet or more) and frequent hand washing/sanitizing. Brief, indirect exposure is considered very low risk, especially if these preventive measures are used.
Should all workers be screened regardless of potential exposure?
The California Department of Public Health provides workplace guidance for most industries. This includes guidance on screening and monitoring for COVID-19 amongst the workforce. You can find guidance here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx
Generally, workers should be monitored for symptoms of COVID-19 to include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Sudden inability to taste or smell
This list is not exhaustive. Workers who have other symptoms that are severe or concerning should immediately leave the workplace and contact their health care provider.
What should a supervisor do if a worker shows symptoms?
If a worker becomes ill with fever, cough or shortness of breath, immediately send the worker home. Advise the worker to self-isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider immediately. Clean and disinfect all surfaces at their workstation as well as shared/common areas.
What if a worker tests positive for COVID-19?
Public health staff contacts workers who test positive, as well as their close contacts. Workers should be instructed to follow the direction of public health staff. Per federal and state privacy laws, employee health information is protected. Public health staff may contact employers to provide consultation, guidance and instructions.
Can supervisors request that an employee be tested for COVID-19?
No. Testing is ordered by health care providers or public health staff. Employers may recommend testing, but cannot mandate workers to be tested.
What else can supervisors do to protect the workforce?
Physical distancing should be implemented at all work locations to the extent possible.
All workers should:
- maintain at least 6 feet away from others as duties permit
- stagger breaks to avoid crowding in shared areas or break rooms
- wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of the elbow
- not come to work if sick or if start to feel sick, leave work immediately
Should workers wear a face covering while at work?
Yes. Per the California State mandate of June 18, 2020, everyone in the State of California is required to wear a face covering. Exemptions apply, see the following link for details. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings_06-18-2020.pdf
Are there additional safety measures that can be implemented to prevent spread of COVID-19?
Yes. The following are simple practices to avoid disease spread:
- do not share headsets, personal items or other objects that are used near the face
- clean and disinfect all shared work areas including offices, bathrooms and breakrooms
- increase cleaning and disinfecting frequency of commonly touched surfaces including, phones, desktops, counters, door handles, and keyboards
- work with facility maintenance staff to increase air exchange in the building
When can an employee who has been infected with COVID-19 return to work?
Employees may return to work when all three of the following conditions are met:
- at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
- there has been no fever for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil
- cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms have improved
Who can I call if I have questions?
San Benito County Health and Humans Services Agency has created a COVID-19 hotline that anyone can call at 831-636-4113.
Website links with more information on COVID-19:
San Benito County Public Health COVID-19 Website:
https://hhsa.cosb.us/publichealth/communicable-disease/coronavirus/
Cal/OSHA and Statewide Industry Guidance on Protecting Workers from COVID-19
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/Health-Care-General-Industry.html
State of California Resilience Roadmap:
https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/
Centers for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
Additional language options and most current information can be found here.
FIREWORK STAND GUIDANCE
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day (July 4th, 2020) amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Benito County Public Health Department is issuing the following guidance for fireworks stands to keep our community safe:
- All firework stand operators need to have a COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan in place, conduct daily screening of all employees and volunteers, abide by the CDPH Retail Industry Guidance and post the CDPH Retail Industry Checklist.
- Employees/volunteers that are ill or begin feeling ill should not be working the booth.
- Employees/volunteers should work with adequate physical distancing inside of the stand, and limit employees inside of a booth/stand.
- All employees and customers must wear a mask (CDPH Face Coverings Guidance).
- COVID-19 signage should be posted and clearly visible for customers and employees/volunteers.
- Stands should be marked with physical distancing markers for customers and limit people waiting in lines.
- Cashless and touchless transactions systems are preferred wherever possible.
- If possible, offer over the phone orders with vehicle curbside pick-up.
- Consumption of food or food sales is strictly prohibited.
- All stands must increase sanitation including disinfecting high contact points and payment devices.
COVID-19 Resources:
- CDC Stop the Spread Flyer English/Stop the Spread Flyer Spanish
- Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace
- San Benito County I’m Ready to Open Placard
A key component to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is the ability for our community to work together to limit any form of transmission. San Benito County Public Health Department would like all organizations to have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.
Additional language options and most current information can be found here.
