The County of Ventura has reached an important turning point for our community, County and our local economy. We are now moving into Stage 2 of California’s roadmap to reopening where some lower-risk workplaces can gradually open with adaptations. The state has issued guidance to help these workplaces reopen safely.
California and the County of Ventura will move into Stage 2 on May 8, 2020. Our progress in achieving key public health metrics will allow a gradual re-opening of our economy.
We recognize the impact of economic hardship. We must get our economy moving once again and put paychecks in people’s pockets. But the risk of COVID-19 infection is still real for all Californians and continues to be fatal.
That is why every business should take every step humanly possible to reduce the risk of infection:
- Plan and prepare for re-opening
- Make radical changes within the workplace
- Adjust practices by employees and help educate customers
Before, reopening, all facilities must confirm the following:
- My business is in one of the designated industries permitted to reopen by the State of California & the VC Health Officer order
- I have performed a detailed risk assessment of my business in accordance with CA Department of Public Health guidelines
- I have a written worksite-specific COVID-19 prevention plan and have posted it at my business
- I have implemented control and screening measures for my business
- I have implemented disinfecting protocols for my business in accordance with CA Department of Public Health guidance.
- I have trained employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19 including how to screen themselves for symptoms
- I agree to have an on-duty employee responsible for monitoring compliance with my plan
- I have posted the compliance hotline flyer provided in a prominent location visible to the public and employees
- Complete the attestation form on www.vcreopen.org
If you are a business that is already permitted to be open and in operation you are asked to review these requirements and confirm that you have met these requirements by registering your business by May 18, 2020.
It is critical that employees needing to self-isolate because of COVID-19 are encouraged to stay at home, with sick leave policies to support that, to prevent further infection in your workplace. Additional information on government programs supporting sick leave and worker’s compensation for COVID-19 can be found here.