Starting Monday, some shelter-in-place restrictions will be lifted across most of the Bay Area.
Health officials in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties as well as the City of Berkeley announced details of the new order Wednesday morning. The new order is effective from May 4-May 31 and allows construction activities as well as certain businesses that operate outdoors and some outdoor activities under certain conditions.
"This impact of the virus has been hard for many of us, but we are now on a path for steady progress, which now allows some low-risk activities to return," said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, Health Officer for the City of Berkeley. "This virus is still in our communities. We need everyone to shelter-in-place apart from the few exceptions - and wear a face covering when out."
Under the new orders, all construction projects allowed under California's orders will be allowed to resume as long as the project complies with certain safety protocols including social distancing. Real estate transactions can also pick up again with limitations on in-person viewings.
Certain outdoor businesses can also begin operating again, and people can visit those businesses to perform work or obtain goods, services, or supplies.
This includes wholesale and retail nurseries, landscapers, gardeners and other businesses that primarily provide outdoor services.
This does not include restaurants, bars or cafes even if they have outdoor seating.
Employees returning to work will also be able to access some childcare programs, which can operate as long as children are kept in consistent groups of 12 or fewer.
Other activities that can resume under the new order include residential moves and the use of certain shared outdoor recreational facilities that were previously ordered closed, like skate parks and golf courses, but not others that involve shared equipment or physical contact.
Social distancing rules remain in place.
