More Bay Area businesses are reopening even as the number of virus cases creeps up.
Hair salons reopened in Contra Costa County Wednesday, and up to 100 people are allowed to gather at funerals and indoor worship services. This comes even as the county saw 12 deaths from the virus so far this month, more than all of May.
The county health officer advised supervisors Tuesday that more activities can resume despite increasing cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
In Sonoma County, hotels and short-term rentals will welcome guests back and visitors will also be able to go to the gym or a museum. Sonoma County saw its highest number of new cases in a single day Saturday, with 30 cases.
But county health officer Dr. Sundari Mase says keeping close track of where and how these new cases are popping up can allow the county to reopen businesses in a more strategic way.
“Where are the cases? In what sectors are they occurring? What specific businesses? What specific retail sales areas? What specific activities?” said Dr. Mase, of the factors she is keeping an eye on. “Then we can target our efforts towards that, and I think that will help."
In Solano County, personal care businesses including nail and skincare salons, tattoo parlors and spas can reopen on Friday. Officials in San Francisco and Marin Counties have voted to ask the state for permission to set their own timelines for reopening businesses, instead of remaining under state control.
San Mateo County has already received approval from the state to speed up its reopening and is expected to announce more plans this week.
Dr. Mase said individuals can play a big role in allowing these activities to resume in a safe and responsible way.
“Wear your face coverings, do these things,” she said. “If you go to places where you feel you can’t effectively be protected, don’t engage in those activities or go into those establishments."
