HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2020 0513 SPC CC ITEM 10BCITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA
City Council Meeting
of May 13, 2020
ACTION Approved staff recommendation,
including adoption of Resolution No. 2020-
3908.
BY B.Garza.
B. Consider Resolution Reinstating Regular Meetings of the City Council and Other
Boards and Commissions, Permitting the Use of City of Moorpark Dog Park,
Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts When Exercising Social Distancing and Rescinding
Director of Disaster Services Executive Order No. 2020-02. Staff
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-3908 Reinstating Regular
Meetings of the City Council and Other Boards and Commissions, Permitting the
Use of City of Moorpark Dog Park, Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts When
Exercising Social Distancing and Rescinding Director of Disaster Services
Executive Order No. 2020-02. (Troy Brown)
Item: 10.B.
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Troy Brown, City Manager
DATE: 05/13/2020 Special Meeting
SUBJECT: Consider Resolution Reinstating Regular Meetings of the City
Council and Other Boards and Commissions, Permitting the Use of
City of Moorpark Dog Park, Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts When
Exercising Social Distancing and Rescinding Director of Disaster
Services Executive Order No. 2020-02
BACKGROUND
On March 20, 2020, Ventura County Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin issued a “Stay Well
at Home” order requiring that all persons living within Ventura County stay at their
residences and to the extent persons are outside of their places of residency to, at all
times as reasonably possible maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from one
another. Subsequently, on April 20, 2020, Dr. Levin amended and extended the
County’s Stay Well at Home order until May 15, 2020.
During the Stay Well at Home Order, the City has implemented a technology platform
that provides a suitable forum for members of the public, Councilmembers,
commissioners and board members of various legislative (and quasi-legislative) bodies
to participate in meetings remotely, while complying with the social distancing
requirements of the County’s Order.
Ventura County is making progress on combatting COVID-19 and as such Dr. Levin has
begun easing social distancing restrictions within the order thus allowing persons within
the County to participate in certain activities. The County has provided guidance that
must be followed to allow certain activities and facilities to re-open. The City has
implemented said guidelines and can now reopen certain facilities consistent with Dr.
Levin’s health order.
DISCUSSION
On March 20, 2020, Ventura County Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin issued a “Stay Well
at Home” order requiring that all persons living within Ventura County to stay at their
residences and to the extent persons are outside of their places of residency to, at all
times as reasonably possible maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from one
Item: 10.B.
110
Honorable City Council
05/13/2020 Special Meeting
Page 2
another. Subsequently, on April 20, 2020, Dr. Levin amended and extended the
County’s Stay Well at Home order until May 15, 2020.
The City Manager, serving as the Director of Disaster Services, swiftly took additional
steps to provide for the health, safety, and property of residents in the midst of the
COVID-19 pandemic. These steps included emergency declarations to cancel regular
meetings of the City Council and other Boards and Commissions in addition to closing
certain city facilities to promote social distancing during the County’s Stay W ell at Home
Order. Additional steps included the closure of certain City facilities to discourage
gatherings, congregating and other activities which result in close human contact such
as City Hall, Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, Dog Park, Skate Park and tennis/pickle
ball courts throughout the City. These actions were ratified by the City Council on
April 8, 2020.
The City has implemented a technology infrastructure to support virtual meetings for
Councilmembers, board and commission members. “Zoom”, a widely used web-based
application, provides a stable platform for videoconferencing and broadcasting of
meetings from remote locations where a suitable internet connection is available.
Agendas for public meetings of the City are published with Zoom details to allow the
public to view and in certain instances, participate in public meetings. Where the public
cannot participate directly via Zoom, a phone number is also published on agendas so
residents can contact the City and participate directly in the meeting if desired. With this
platform now perfected, staff is confident that regular meetings of City Council, Boards
and Commissions can return to their regular scheduled dates for the remainder of 2020.
The City of Moorpark also implemented social distancing measures for staff and at
facilities accessible to the public which tend to attract gatherings of people. To comply
with the aforementioned health orders, the City has closed the Public Library, cancelled
recreational activities and classes, closed the Active Adult Center, postponed or
cancelled numerous special events, implemented telecommuting capabilities among
staff (where possible), closed City Hall, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, the dog park
and the skate park in an effort to harden social distancing and combat COVID-19.
As environmental conditions associated with COVID-19 have shown modest progress
amendments have been made by Dr. Levin to his Stay Well at Home Order to ease
some social distancing requirements. The April 20, 2020 update to the County’s Health
Order (Attachment 2) allows persons within the County to engage in certain outdoor
activities while complying with social distancing guidelines. Specifically, section 17
(a)(6) of the order allows for, “golfing, tennis, pickle-ball, walking, hiking, running,
bicycling, pleasure driving and working around their places of residence, including
gardening.”
This allows the City to reopen tennis/pickle ball courts as well as the dog park with
certain restrictions as follows:
111
Honorable City Council
05/13/2020 Special Meeting
Page 3
Maintain at least a six-foot physical distance from other persons
Use of facility is limited to members of a single household or living unit;
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand
sanitizer as frequently as possible, cover coughs or sneezes (into the
sleeve or elbow, not hands);
Regularly clean high-touch surfaces; and
Do not shake hands.
Use of play courts is limited to members of a single household or living unit and sharing
of equipment, clothing, towels, food or drinks is prohibited. Further, users of courts are
prohibited from waiting inside of gated court areas while courts are in use.
Although never explicitly stated in the Stay Well at Home Order, the City Manager
applied the rules related to outdoor activities to the dog park at College View Park and
closed that facility during the early days of implementing the Stay Well at Home Order.
The guidance stated above for tennis/pickle ball courts can be applied to the dog park,
thus that facility has been reopened.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE
This action does not support a current strategic directive.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2020-____ Reinstating Regular Meetings of the City Council and
Other Boards and Commissions, Permitting the Use of City of Moorpark Dog Park,
Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts When Exercising Social Distancing and Rescinding
Director of Disaster Services Executive Order No. 2020-02.
Attachment 1: Resolution No. 2020- _____
Attachment 2: Amended Order Directing Persons to Stay At Their Homes, Closing Non-
Essential Businesses and Prohibiting Non-Essential Activities To
Combat The COVID-19 Pandemic – dated April 20, 2020
112
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF MOORPARK TO REINSTATE REGULAR MEETINGS
OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND OTHER BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS; PERMIT THE USE OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK DOG PARK AND TENNIS AND PICKLE
BALL COURTS WHEN EXERCISING SOCIAL
DISTANCING PRACTICES; AND RESCIND THE
DIRECTOR OF DISASTER SERVICES’ EXECUTIVE
ORDER NO. 2020-02
WHEREAS, international, national, state, and local health and governmental
authorities are responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel
coronavirus named “coronavirus disease 2019,” abbreviated COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, the Governor of the State of California initially
declared a state of emergency to make additional resources available, formalize
emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments,
and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, Dr. Robert Levin, M.D., the Ventura County
Health Officer, initially declared a local health emergency within the County of Ventura
due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States of America
declared a national emergency and announced that the federal government would make
emergency funding available to assist state and local governments in preventing the
spread of and addressing the effects of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, also on March 13, 2020, the City Manager of the City of Moorpark,
acting as its Director of Disaster Services, proclaimed a local emergency within the City
of Moorpark on account of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the California Department of Public Health
issued COVID-19 public health guidance related to self-isolation for older adults and
those who have elevated risks, to further strengthen measures to address the state of
emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, Dr. Levin issued a public health order to close
many types of businesses, including bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, movie
theatres, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, gyms, fitness centers,
aquatic centers, wineries, breweries, and tap rooms; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-
29-20 to suspend certain provisions of the Brown Act in order to allow local
governments to hold public meetings exclusively via electronic means and to make
those public meetings electronically accessible to all members of the public.
ATTACHMENT 1
113
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, the City Council of Moorpark adopted a
resolution to ratify the Director of Disaster Services’ proclamation of a local emergency
within the City of Moorpark; and
WHEREAS, on March 20, 2020, the Dr. Levin issued a “Stay Well at Home”
order requiring that all persons currently living within Ventura County to stay at their
residences and to the extent persons are outside of their places of residency to, at all
times as reasonably possible maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from one
another. On April 20, 2020, Dr. Levin amended and extended the County’s Stay Well at
Home order until May 15, 2020; and; and
WHEREAS, during this local emergency, and in the interest of protecting the
public health and preventing transmission of COVID-19, it continues to be important to
prevent public gatherings wherever possible; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 8634 and Moorpark
Municipal Code Section 2.48.060 (C)(1), on March 20, 2020 the Moorpark Director of
Disaster Services issued Executive Order No. 2020-02 to cancel all regular meetings of
the City Council and other City boards and commissions during the pendency of the
local emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition,
Executive Order No. 2020-02 temporarily closed the City of Moorpark skate park
located at Poindexter Park, the City of Moorpark Dog Park located at College View
Park, all tennis and pickle ball courts at City parks, and park and recreation centers
within the City during the local emergency; and
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2020, the City Council ratified Executive Order No. 2020-
02; and
WHEREAS, the City Council no longer believes it is necessary to cancel regular
meetings of the City Council and City boards and commissions because such regular
meetings can be held safely in accordance with good social distancing practices on an
electronic platform; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the public interest is best served by
conducting meetings of the City Council and City boards and commissions at their
regularly scheduled dates and times, in accordance with the Brown Act and the
Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, as may be amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Levin’s April 20, 2020, Stay Well at Home order declares that
outdoor activities, such as tennis, pickle ball, walking, hiking, running, and bicycling, are
an “essential activity,” provided that persons comply with social distancing requirements
when engaged in these outdoor activities; and
114
WHEREAS, on May 4, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-60-20
declaring that the State would soon be moving to allow lower-risk businesses and
spaces to reopen under Stage Two of his plan to reopen the State in four phases; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order N-60-20 directs the State Public Health Officer to
establish criteria for local health officers to establish and implement public health
measures that are less restrictive than measures taken on a statewide basis and to
certify such measures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to follow all applicable public health
measures adopted by the Ventura County Public Health Officer, State Public Health
Officer, and the Governor as it seeks to return the City to normal operations, while
protecting the public health to the greatest extent possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Regular Meetings of the City Council and City Boards and
Commissions. All regular meetings of Moorpark City Council and Moorpark City boards
and commissions, including meetings of the Arts Commission, Library Board, Parks &
Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission, shall resume and be held at their
regularly scheduled date, time, and place in accordance with the Brown Act and the
Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, as may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 2. Partial Opening of Parks and Recreational Facilities.
A. The City’s reopening to the public of the City of Moorpark Dog Park
located at College View Park and all tennis and pickle ball courts at City parks that
occurred on April 22, 2020 at 8:00 A.M. is hereby confirmed and ratified, provided that
all users of these facilities strictly comply with the social distancing requirements set
forth in the Ventura County Public Health Officer’s April 20, 2020 Stay Well at Home
Order, as may be amended from time to time, which currently includes the following
requirements: (1) maintain at least a six-foot physical distance from other persons; (2)
use of facility is limited to members of a single household or living unit; (3) wash hands
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer as frequently as
possible, cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands); (4) regularly
clean high-touch surfaces; and (5) do not shake hands.
B. The City of Moorpark Skate Park located at Poindexter Park, and all other
park and recreation centers within the City will remain closed until the City’s Director of
Disaster Services, based on the Governor’s Executive Orders that provide for a staged
reopening of public facilities and guidance from the Ventura County Health Officer,
allows one or more of these facilities to reopen or the local emergency declared in
response to COVID-19 concludes, whichever occurs sooner. No members of the public
shall enter any of these park and recreation facilities unless and until they are reopened
for public use.
115
SECTION 3. Rescission of Executive Order 2020-02. Executive Order No.
2020-02 is hereby rescinded in its entirety and shall have no further force or effect.
SECTION 4. Violations. A violation of this resolution shall be punishable as
set forth in Government Code Section 8665 and Chapter 1.10 of the Moorpark
Municipal Code.
SECTION 5. Term. This resolution shall remain in effect until the local
emergency declared in response to COVID-19 within the City is concluded. This
resolution may also be extended or superseded during the period of local emergency by
a duly enacted resolution or ordinance of the City Council or by a further Order by the
Director of Disaster Services.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective immediately as
of the date of this resolution.
SECTION 7. Severability. The City Council declares that, should any section,
subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this resolution for any
reason be held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
resolution. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this resolution
and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 8. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the approval of this
resolution and shall cause notice of it to be disseminated to the public and be given
widespread publicity and notice. Further, the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of
this resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the book of original
resolutions.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 13th day of May, 2020.
Janice S. Parvin, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Ky Spangler, City Clerk
116
CITY OF MOORPARK EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2020-02
AN EXECUTIVE ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR OF DISASTER
SERVICES OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK IMPOSING
EMERGENCY REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE
CANCELLATION OF ALL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL, BOARD
AND COMMISSION MEETINGS, AND THE CLOSURE OF CITY
CERTAIN PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
WHEREAS, international, national, state, and local health and governmental authorities
are responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus named
"coronavirus disease 2019," abbreviated COVID-19, ("COVID-19"); and
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, the Governor of the State of California initially declared a
state of emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions
already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare
for broader spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, Robert Levin, M.D., the Ventura County Health Officer,
declared a local health emergency within the County of Ventura due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States of America declared
a national emergency and announced that the federal government would make emergency
funding available to assist state and local governments in preventing the spread of and
addressing the effects of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, also on March 13, 2020, the City Manager of the City of Moorpark, acting as
its Director of Disaster Services, proclaimed a local emergency within the City of Moorpark on
account of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the California Department of Public Health issued
COVID-19 public health guidance related to self-isolation for older adults and those who have
elevated risks, to further strengthen measures to address the state of emergency caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, the Ventura County Health Officer issued an order to
close many types of businesses, including bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, movie
theatres, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, gyms, fitness centers, aquatic
centers, wineries, breweries, and tap rooms through April 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, the City Council of Moorpark adopted a resolution to
ratify the Director of Disaster Services' Proclamation of a local emergency within the City of
Moorpark; and
WHEREAS, based on the foregoing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the California Department of Public Health, and the Ventura County Health Officer have all
issued recommendations and/or orders emphasizing the crucial importance of limiting person-
to-person contact to protect public health and prevent transmission of this communicable virus,
including by practicing social distancing, staying home if sick, canceling or postponing large
group events, working from home, and other precautions; and
EXHIBIT A
117
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, the Ventura County Health Officer issued a shelter in
place order requiring that all persons currently living within Ventura County to stay at their
residences and to the extent persons are outside of their places of residency to, at all times as
reasonably possible maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from one another.; and
WHEREAS, during this local emergency, and in the interest of protecting the public
health and preventing transmission of COVID-19, it is essential to prevent public gatherings
wherever possible;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 8634 and Moorpark Municipal Code
Section 2.48.060 (C)(1 ), the Moorpark Director of Disaster Services has the authority to make
and issue rules and regulations related to the protection of life and property as affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, in the interest of public peace, health, and safety, as affected by the
emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary for the City Council to exercise
its authority to issue these regulations related to the protection of the public peace health, and
safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE DIRECTOR OR DISASTER SERVICES OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK DOES HEREBY ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Cancellation of Regular Meetings of the City Council and City Boards
and Commissions. Until the period of local emergency that has been declared in response to
COVID-19 concludes, all regular meetings of Moorpark City Council and Moorpark City Boards
and Commissions are cancelled, including but not limited to, meetings of the City Council, Arts
Commission, Library Board, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission.
SECTION 2. Closure of Parks and Recreational Facilities. Until the period of local
emergency is declared in response to COVID-19 concludes, the City of Moorpark Skate park
located at Poindexter Park, the City of Moorpark Dog Park located at Campus College View
Park, all tennis and pickle ball courts at City parks, and park and recreation centers within the
City will be closed. No members of the public shall enter any of the facilities within this section
or recreational facility that is closed by this order.
SECTION 3. Violations. This Executive Order shall be punishable as set forth in
Government Code Section 8665 and Chapter 1.10 of the Moorpark Municipal Code.
SECTION 4. Term. This Executive Order shall remain in effect until the local
emergency declared in response to COVID-19 within the City is concluded. This Executive
Order may also be extended or superseded during the period of local emergency by a duly
enacted Ordinance of the City Council or by a further Order by the Director of Disaster Services.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This Executive Order shall be effective immediately as
of the date of this Executive Order.
SECTION 6. Severability. The Director of Disaster Services declares that, should
any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Executive
Order for any reason be held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of
competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
Executive Order. The Director Disaster Services hereby declares that it would have adopted
118
this Executive Order and each section, subsection , subdivision, sentence , clause, phrase , or
portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions ,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the approval of this
Executive Order and shall cause notice of it to be disseminated to the public and be given
widespread publicity and notice .
APPROVED and ISSUED this 20th day of March, 2020.
ATTEST:
Troy Brown, City Manager/
Director of Disaster Services
119
STAY WELL AT HOME
ORDER OF THE VENTURA COUNTY HEAL TH OFFICER
AMENDED ORDER DIRECTING PERSONS TO STAY AT THEIR
HOMES, CLOSING NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND PROHIBITING
NON-ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES TO COMBAT THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC
DA TE OF ORDER: APRIL 20, 2020
Please read carefully. This Order issued by the Ventura County Health Officer
shall become effective at 11 :59 p.m. on April 20, 2020, and shall amend and restate
the Health Officer Order dated April 18, 2020. Any and all prior violations of
previous orders remain prosecutable, criminally or civilly. Further, all prior closure
or cease and desist orders directed at specified persons or business shall remain in
effect. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120295 et seq., violation of or
failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine,
imprisonment, or both.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
1. Intent and Purpose .................................................. 2
2. Applicable to entire County ........................................... 2
3. Persons to stay at home .............................................. 2
4. Persons may leave home for specified purposes ........................... 3
5. Special rule for persons 70 years of age or older. .......................... 3
6. Non-Essential travel is prohibited ...................................... 3
7. Non-Essential Businesses must close ................................... 3
a. Exceptions for home businesses and limited business operations . . . . . . . . . . . 3
8. Standards applicable to operation of Essential Businesses ................... 5
9 . Food facilities ..................................................... 5
10. Essential Businesses must have Social Distancing Protocol .................. 6
1 1. Special allowance for completion of firearm sales ......................... 7
12. Partial list of Non-Essential Businesses and facilities ordered to close ......... 7
13. Partial list of Non-Essential Activities ordered to cease ..................... 8
14. [Reserved] ........................................................ 9
15. Admittance to Long-Term Care Facilities ................................ 9
16. Hospitals and Long-Term Care Facilities ................................ 9
.l
ATTACHMENT 2
120
17. Definitions and exemptions ........................................... 9
a. Essential Activities ............................................ 9
b. Healthcare Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
c. Essential Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
d. Essential Governmental Functions and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
e. Essential Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
f. Minimum Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
g. Essential Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
h. Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
i. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
j. Social Distancing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
18. Commercial laboratory test results .................................... 19
19. Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
20. Violation may constitute unfair competition ............................. 19
21. Most Restrictive Provisions of County and State Health Orders Enforcable. . . 19
22. Effective date and time ............................................. 20
23. Continuing assessment .............................................. 20
24. Copies of Order ................................................... 20
25. Severability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 101040, 101085 AND 120175 OF THE HEALTH AND
SAFETY CODE, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF VENTURA COUNTY HEREBY
ORDERS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Intent and Purpose. The intent of this Order is to cause persons to stay at their
places of residence to the maximum extent feasible with the minimum disruption
to their social, emotional and economic well-being consistent with the overarching
goal of eliminating the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this Order is that by
requiring persons to stay at home, while allowing them to engage in essential
activities, such as working at essential businesses, purchasing necessities or
participating in outdoor activities, that the spread of the virus will be mitigated,
and that in the event a case of COVID-19 occurs, the public health officer can
more easily trace public contacts. All provisions of this Order shall be interpreted
to effectuate this intent.
2. Applicable to entire County. This Order applies to all persons in the cities and
the entire unincorporated area of Ventura County (the "County").
3. Persons to stay at home. All persons currently living within the County are
ordered to stay at their places of residence, subject to the exemptions set forth in
2
121
this Order. Persons experiencing homelessness are exempt from this section, but
are strongly urged to obtain shelter, and governmental and other entities are
strongly urged to make such shelter available as soon as possible, and to use Social
Distancing Requirements in their operation. 11
4. Persons may leave home for specifi.ed purposes. Persons may leave their places
of residence for the following purposes only: to engage in an Essential Activity; to
provide or receive an Essential Governmental Function or Service; or to operate or
work at an Essential Business. When persons leave their places of residence for
purposes authorized under this Order, they shall follow the Social Distancing
Requirements to the maximum extent feasible.
5. Special rule for persons 70 years of age or older. All persons currently living in
the County equal to or older than 75 years of age, or equal to or older than 70 years
of age with an active or unstable comorbidity, are ordered to stay in their place of
residence and must at all times follow Social Distancing Requirements to the
greatest extent feasible. Such persons may leave their places of residence only as
necessary to seek medical care or nutrition or to perform essential work in
furtherance of Healthcare Operations or Essential Governmental Functions or
Services.
6. Non-EssentiaJ Travel is prohibited. All travel within the County is prohibited
except for Essential Travel. Persons may use public transit only for purposes of
performing Essential Activities or to travel to and from work at Essential
Businesses or to maintain, provide or receive Essential Governmental Functions or
Services. Persons riding on public transit must comply with Social Distancing
Requirements to the greatest extent feasible. This Order allows travel into or out
of the County.
7. Non-essential businesses must close. All businesses with a facility in the County,
except Essential Businesses as listed in section 17 of this Order, are required to
cease all activities at facilities located within the County except that they may
perform Minimum Basic Operations.
a. Exceptions for home businesses and limited business operations.
Notwithstanding the above, the following businesses may operate provided
11 Unless defined when first used, all capitalized terms in this Order are defined in
section 17 below.
3
122
they comply with all requirements applicable to Essential Businesses and
any additional requirements stated below:
(1) Home Businesses. All businesses may conduct activities and
continue operations consisting solely of persons performing
activities at their own places of residence.
(2) Limited Business Operations. A business as specified below may
conduct activities and continue operations at a facility of the business
in the County provided that (i) no more than ten (10) employees or
independent contractors shall be at the facility during any 24-hour
period; (ii) there is no physical interaction between members of the
public and employees or independent contractors of the business;
(iii) members of the public are not permitted inside the business's
facilities (i.e., all retail or storefront facilities shall remain closed to
the public); (iv) Social Distancing Requirements are followed; and
(v) any goods sold by the businesses shall be delivered to the
purchaser's place of residence or business address, and any services
provided by the businesses shall be provided remotely.
The paragraph immediately above applies only to businesses that
meet the definition of a business necessary to maintain continuity of
operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors as defined in
the March 19, 2020, Order of the State Public Health Officer (State
Shelter Order), and only such businesses may conduct limited
business operations under this Order.
Further, all businesses electing to conduct limited business
operations must (i) prepare a "Social Distancing Protocol" as set
forth in Section 10 below for each facility and post it where it will be
easily viewable by the employees and contractors; (ii) provide a copy
of the Social Distancing Protocol to each employee or contractor
performing work at the facility; (iii) designate a specific on-duty
supervisor or employee to monitor and enforce compliance with the
Protocol at all times business operations are occurring; and (iv)
permit access to the facility immediately upon request by any officer
or employee of the County or its agents who wishes to inspect a
business's facilities or operations. Repeated, confirmed failure to
comply with Social Distancing Protocol may lead to closure of
non-compliant businesses.
4
123
8. Standards applicable to operation of Essential Businesses. Among other
requirements set out in this Order, all Essential Businesses that remain open shall
provide only those goods and services that justify their classification as an
Essential Business in the first place. Therefore:
a. Grocery stores, certified farmers' markets, farm and produce stands,
supermarkets, convenience stores and other establishments that sell food,
beverages, pet supplies or household products (such as cleaning and
personal care products) necessary to the safe, sanitary and essential
operation of places of residence, that are open to the public, shall not sell
any goods other than those described in this subsection (a). The sale of
items not listed herein, such as clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, furniture,
etc., is prohibited.
b. Only businesses whose primary business is the sale of food, beverages, pet
supplies or household products (such as cleaning and personal care
products) qualify as an Essential Business under section (a) above. For
example, a tobacco or vape store that sells a minimal amount of snacks and
water as a side business does not qualify as a grocery store, convenience
store or similar establishment. Items the sale of which constitute less than
33 percent of a business's gross sales over the last six months are deemed to
be minimal.
9. Food facilities. All permanent food facilities, as defined by Health and Safety
Code section 113849, may only prepare and offer food that is provided to
customers via delivery service, via pick-up for takeout dining, and via drive-thru.
Permanent food facilities that prepare and offer food via delivery service, pick-up
or drive-thru must comply with the following procedures:
a. Containers required. All food must be completely contained in a suitable
container before being transferred to a customer. For example, ice cream
cones are not allowed; ice cream scoops in a covered container are allowed.
b. Must consume food away from premises. The exception for take-out food
activities is designed to enable persons who are confined to their places of
residence to obtain prepared food to take back to their places of residence
for consumption. The take-out food shall not be consumed anywhere
within the line-of-sight of a person standing in front of the facility that sold
the food.
5
124
c. Six-foot spacing must be maintained. All persons waiting in line or
otherwise congregating outside a food facility selling food via take-out,
delivery or drive-thru shall maintain a distance of at least six feet from all
other persons.
Retail food and beverage facilities. The Health Officer recognizes the authority
of the Ventura County Environmental Health Division as stated in "Coronavirus
COVID-19 Guidance for Food Facilities" and strongly advises all food and
beverage facilities to comply with the guidance.
10 . Essential Businesses must have Social Distancing Protocol. All Essential
Businesses must prepare and post a "Social Distancing Protocol" for each of their
facilities in the County frequented by the public or employees. The Social
Distancing Protocol must be posted at or near the entrance of the relevant facility
and shall be easily viewable by the public and employees. A copy of the Social
Distancing Protocol must also be provided to each employee performing work at
the facility. All Essential Businesses shall implement the Social Distancing
Protocol, and shall designate a specific on-duty employee to monitor and enforce
compliance with the Protocol at all times the business is open to the public.
Essential Businesses shall provide evidence of its implementation to any authority
enforcing this Order upon demand.
Completion and posting of the form attached hereto as Appendix A: Social
Distancing Protocol will be compliant with this Order. The Social Distancing
Protocol must explain how the business is achieving the following, as applicable:
a. Limiting the number of persons who can enter into the facility and work
areas at any one time to ensure that persons in the facility and work areas
can easily maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another at all
times, except as required to complete the Essential Business activity;
b . Where lines may form at a facility, marking increments of six feet, at a
minimum, establishing where individuals must stand to maintain adequate
social distancing;
c. Providing hand sanitizer, soap and water, or other effective disinfectant at
or near the entrance of the facility and in other appropriate areas for use by
the public and employees and in locations where there is high-frequency
employee interaction with the public (e.g., cashiers);
6
125
d. Providing for contactless payment systems or, if not feasible to do so,
disinfect for the next customer by disinfecting all payment portals, pens and
styluses after each use;
e. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting other high-touch surfaces;
f. Posting a sign at the entrance of the facility and work area informing the
public and employees that they should avoid entering the facility if they
have a cough or fever; maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one
another; sneeze and cough into their elbow; and not shake hands or engage
in unnecessary physical contact; and
g. Any additional social distancing measures being implemented.
Repeated, confirmed failure to comply with Social Distancing Protocol may lead to
closure of non-compliant businesses.
11. Special allowance for completion of firearm sales. Under California law
persons wishing to purchase a firearm must complete a background check and
waiting period, and all sales must be completed in-person. It is not feasible,
therefore, for the Health Officer to require that firearm sales be conducted on-line
only. To accommodate persons who initiated the purchase of a firearm at a store
located within the County before March 20, 2020 (i.e., the day firearm stores were
ordered to be closed by the Health Officer), firearm stores and purchasers may
engage in the actions necessary to complete firearm purchases initiated before
March 20, 2020, provided that:
a. All activities, including the transfer of possession of any firearm, occur by
appointment only, and only the purchaser and one person on behalf of the
store shall be present;
b. The firearm store shall remain closed to the general public; and
c. Social Distancing Requirements shall be followed to the greatest extent
feasible.
12. Partial list of non-essential businesses and facilities ordered to close. The
intent and structure of this Order is to list Essential Businesses that may remain
open subject to rigorous conditions designed to prohibit the spread of COVID-19
7
126
to the greatest extent feasible and to require all other businesses to close. For the
sake of clarity, a list of business types that have been ordered to close as Non-
Essential is set forth below. However, it is emphasized that the list below is not
intended to be exclusive, and the fact that a business type is not listed below is not
intended to imply that it is authorized to stay open as an Essential Business,
Healthcare Operation, Essential Governmental Function or Service or Essential
Infrastructure:
a. Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food.
b. Movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys and arcades.
c. Gyms, fitness centers and aquatic centers.
d. Wineries, breweries and tap rooms that provide tastings.
e. All swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and similar
facilities, except those located at a single-family residence, which shall be
used only by members of a household residing at the single-family
residence.
f. All public and private campgrounds and recreational vehicle (RV) parks,
except that persons who certify that their RV is their primary residence may
be permitted to stay in the RV park. All persons residing in an RV shall
comply with all Orders otherwise applicable to residents.
g. Clothing stores.
h. Sporting goods stores.
1. Jewelry stores.
J. Fabric stores.
k. Toy and game stores.
1. Book stores.
m. Arts and crafts stores.
n. Pawn brokers.
o. Gun stores.
p. Bait and tackle shops.
q. Furniture stores.
r. Home decor and party decorations stores.
s. Tobacco and vaping stores.
t. Pet grooming.
u. Hair or nail salons; barbershops.
13. Partial list of non-essential activities ordered to cease. The intent and structure
of this Order is to list essential activities that may continue subject to rigorous
conditions designed to prohibit the spread of COVID-19 to the greatest extent
8
127
feasible and to require all other activities to cease. For the sake of clarity, a list of
activities that have been ordered to cease as non-essential is set forth below.
However, it is emphasized that the list below is not intended to be exclusive and
the fact that an activity is not listed below is not intended to imply that an activity
is authorized:
a . Door-to-Door Solicitations. Door-to-door solicitations, whether for
purposes of sales of goods or services, charitable contributions, signature-
gathering or any other commercial or noncommercial purpose.
14. [Reserved]
15 . Admittance to Long-T erm Care F acilities. Long-Term Care Facilities may not
refuse to admit any person who has been diagnosed with or treated for COVID-19
after that person has been discharged from a health care facility and approved for
admittance to a Long-Term Care Facility by the Ventura County Public Health
Department.
a. For purposes of this section, "Long-Term Care Facility" means a long-term
care facility, skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility, congregate
living health facility, nursing facility, hospice facility, residential care
facility for the elderly, residential facility, or community care facility as
defined in Health and Safety Code sections 1250, 1502, 1503.5 and 1569,
and regulations promulgated thereunder, as they may be amended from time
to time.
16 . Hospitals and L ong-T erm Care F acilities . The Health Officer recognizes the
authority of the guidance documents "Hospital Holding Unit Guidance for
COVID-19" and "Long-Term Care Facility Guidance for Preventing and
Managing COVID-19" (the current versions of which are available at
www.vcemergency.com) and strongly advises all hospitals and Long-Term Care
Facilities (as that term is defined in section 15 of this Order) to comply with the
guidance.
17. Definitions and e xe mptions.
For the purposes of this Order:
a. Essential Activities. Persons may leave their places of residence only to
perform one of the following "Essential Activities" (but persons at high risk
9
128
of severe illness from COVID-19 and persons who are sick are urged to
stay in their places of residence to the extent possible except as necessary to
seek medical care):
(1) To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and
safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household
members (including pets), such as, by way of example, obtaining
medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional or
obtaining supplies needed to work from a place of residence.
(2) To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their
family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies
to others, such as, by way of example, canned food, dry goods, fresh
fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish and poultry and
any other household consumer products, and products necessary to
maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of places of
residence.
(3) To engage in funeral services, provided the following restrictions are
observed:
(i) For indoor services, where the body of the deceased is present for
viewing or in a closed casket, members of the deceased's household
and the relatives of the deceased within the second degree (including
in-laws) may gather for the activity provided that Social Distancing
Requirements are followed and that no more than five persons
gather inside the facility at a single time. Stable groups of five
persons (i.e., persons may not substitute in or out of the group) may
rotate within the facility providing protocols are implemented to
sanitize the facilities between each group visit.
(ii) For graveside services, members of the deceased's household and
the relatives of the deceased within the second degree (including
in-laws) may gather for the activity provided that Social Distancing
Requirements are followed and that no more than I 0 persons gather.
(4) To engage in a wedding ceremony, provided that Social Distancing
Requirements are followed to the greatest extent feasible and that no
more than 10 persons (who need not be from the same household or
living unit), in addition to the couple to be married and the officiant,
gather in a stable group.
10
129
(5) To attend a gathering of any size to observe or participate in live or
virtual presentations to the gathering, such as faith-based services,
concerts, plays, political speeches, movies and similar activities,
provided that all of the following protocols are followed:
(i) all activity must occur outdoors;
(ii) all persons attending the activity must be inside a motor vehicle
occupied only by persons from the same household or living unit, not
exceeding five persons;
(iii) all motor vehicles at the gathering must maintain a distance of
six feet from all other vehicles:
(iv) the motor vehicle windows must be closed at all times during the
event;
(v) all persons must remain in the vehicle in which they arrived at all
times during the event;
(vi) no restroom facilities shall be made available to persons at the
facility during the event;
(vii) no tangible items of any kind, including food products, may be
transferred to persons in the motor vehicles;
(viii) notwithstanding the above, one or more persons, not exceeding
five, may enter nearby buildings as necessary to putting on the
presentation; and
(ix) all Social Distancing Requirements shall be complied with to the
greatest extent feasible.
(6) To engage in outdoor activity, provided the persons comply with
Social Distancing Requirements, such as, by way of example,
golfing, tennis, pickle-ball, walking, hiking, running, bicycling,
pleasure driving and working around their places of residence,
including gardening.
(i) To provide accommodations for persons who wish to golf as a
form of outdoor activity, public and private golf courses may operate
provided they strictly enforce Social Distancing Requirements and
enforce the following additional protocols:
(a) Motorized carts are not allowed;
(b) No more than four golfers (who need not be from the same
household or living unit), are allowed per group and each
group must be stable (i.e., persons may not substitute in or out
11
130
of the group);
( c) A distance of at least 3 0 feet shall be maintained between
groups of golfers at all times;
( d) All ball washers shall be covered and flag pins shall be
removed and the cup on each green shall be inverted or
otherwise installed to eliminate high-frequency touch surfaces
on the greens and tees;
( e) Persons may use a driving range provided that range balls
are properly sanitized before distribution to customers (stand-
alone golf driving ranges may also operate) ;
( f) Practice putting greens shall remain closed;
(g) The "Pro Shop" or similar facility designed for the sale of
golf-related equipment and supplies shall remain closed; and
(h) The snack shop(s) and restaurant(s) shall remain closed.
(7) To perform work providing products and services at an Essential
Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in
this Order, including Minimum Basic Operations and limited
business operations.
(8) To care for a family member or pet in another household.
(9) To prepare and present a live-stream or other virtual communication
by an organization or association to its members, including worship
services. Staff of organizations or associations (who need not be of
the same household or living unit), including faith-based
organizations, may gather in a single space at the same time solely
for the sole purpose of preparing and presenting live-stream or other
virtual communications provided that the number of such staff is the
fewest necessary to prepare and present those communications, but
in no event in excess of ten (10) persons, and that Social Distancing
Requirements are followed.
Anti-gathering clause. It is the intent of this Order that individual persons
be permitted to engage in the above Essential Activities. Where an activity
listed above expressly allows a specified number of persons to engage in an
activity together, the number of persons expressly stated in the listed
activity shall prevail, notwithstanding any other provision in this Order.
Except as expressly permitted, however, all public and private gatherings of
any number of persons occurring outside of a household or living unit are
12
131
prohibited. Nothing in this paragraph prohibits a gathering of two or more
persons as necessary to perform or work for Essential Businesses, Essential
Governmental Functions or Services, Minimum Basic Operations, or
limited business operations. Further, nothing in this paragraph prohibits
members of a single household or living unit from engaging in Essential
Travel or Essential Activities together.
b. Healthcare Operation. Persons may leave their places of residence to work
for or obtain services at any "Healthcare Operation," including hospitals,
clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,
other licensed healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare
services providers, mental health providers or any related and/or ancillary
healthcare services, including blood donation centers.
(1) "Healthcare Operation" includes professional services provided by
chiropractors, acupuncturists, veterinarians and all healthcare
services provided to animals.
(2) "Healthcare Operation" does not include fitness and exercise gyms,
aquatic centers and similar facilities.
(3) This exemption shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to
the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined.
c. Essential Infrastructure. Persons may leave their places of residence to
provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and
maintenance of "Essential Infrastructure," which means and includes, but is
not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in
particular affordable housing or housing for persons experiencing
homelessness), construction of agricultural structures, airport and port
operations, military installations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil and gas
production and refining including associated businesses and activities, roads
and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal,
funeral homes and cemeteries, internet and telecommunications systems
(including the provision of essential global, national and local infrastructure
for computing services, business infrastructure, communications and
web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that
work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements, to the extent
possible. All U.S. Department of Defense activities are categorically
exempt from this Order.
13
132
d. Essential Governmental Functions or Services. Government functions or
services performed by first responders, emergency management personnel,
emergency dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, and
others who need to perform essential governmental functions or services, as
such may be determined by the governmental entity performing those
functions or services, shall be considered "Essential Governmental
Functions or Services." All persons who perform Essential Governmental
Functions or Services are categorically exempt from this Order while
performing such governmental functions or services. Further, nothing in
this Order shall prohibit any person from performing or accessing Essential
Governmental Functions or Services. Each governmental entity shall
identify and designate appropriate employees or contractors to continue
providing and carrying out any Essential Governmental Functions or
Services. All Essential Governmental Functions or Services shall be
performed in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements, to the
extent possible.
e. Essential Businesses. "Essential Businesses" means:
(1) Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
(2) Grocery stores, certified farmers' markets, farm and produce stands,
supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores and other
establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned or frozen food,
dry goods, beverages, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh
meats, fish and poultry and any other household consumer products
(such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores
that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products and
products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential
operation of places of residence;
(3) Any form of agricultural production and processing, including the
cultivation of products for personal consumption or use, including
farming and services provided by farmworkers, ranching, livestock,
and fishing, as well as business activities that support production and
processing by providing essential agricultural supplies and services,
including transportation, manufacturing, equipment and services
such as cooling, storing, packaging and distribution of such products
for wholesale or retail sale, provided that, to the extent possible, such
businesses comply with Social Distancing Requirements and
14
133
otherwise provide for the health and safety of their employees;
( 4) Businesses that provide food, shelter and social services and other
necessities of life for economically disadvantaged, compromised or
otherwise needy persons;
(5) Newspapers and television, radio and other media services;
(6) Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair and related facilities;
(7) Banks and related financial institutions;
(8) Hardware stores;
(9) Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, house-cleaners, gardeners and
other service providers who provide services that are necessary to
maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of places of
residence, Essential Activities and Essential Businesses;
(10) Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post
office boxes;
(11) Educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools,
colleges and universities, for purposes of facilitating distance
learning or performing essential functions, in compliance with Social
Distancing Requirements, to the greatest extent possible;
(12) Laundromats, drycleaners and laundry service providers;
(13) Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only
for delivery, pick-up or drive-thru. Schools and other entities that
typically provide free food services to students or members of the
public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that
the food is provided to students or members of the public on a
pick-up and take-away basis only. Schools and other entities that
provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food
to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering
site;
(14) Drive-thru car washes, provided the service is automated and no
15
134
attendants or employees are involved in servicing the vehicles;
(15) Businesses that supply other Essential Businesses with the support or
supplies necessary to operate, including, by way of example,
businesses that manufacture products for ultimate use in a Healthcare
Operation;
(16) Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services
directly to places of residence. This exemption shall not be used to
allow for manufacturing or assembly of non-essential products or for
other functions besides those necessary to the delivery operation;
(17) Airlines, taxis and other private transportation providers providing
transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other
purposes expressly authorized in this Order;
(18) Home-based care for seniors, adults or children;
(19) Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults and children;
(20) Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when
necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities;
(21) Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees
exempted in this Order to work as permitted. Childcare facilities
must operate under the following mandatory conditions:
(i) Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer
("stable" means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same
group each day).
(ii) Children shall not change from one group to another.
(iii) If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility,
each group shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with
each other.
(iv) Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of
children.
(22) Hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfast establishments and other
businesses that provide transient occupancy for visitors to the
County, provided that such businesses require their patrons to stay in
place as otherwise required by this Order.
16
135
(23) Commercial construction provided that such activity implements
Social Distancing Requirements to the extent feasible and otherwise
provides for the health and safety of employees.
(24) Bicycle stores, including the sales of bicycles, parts and supplies, and
the repair of bicycles. Bicycle rentals are not allowed.
(25) Service providers that enable residential real estate transactions
(including rentals, leases and home sales), including, but not limited
to, real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries and title companies,
provided that appointments and other residential viewing must only
occur virtually or, if virtual viewing is not feasible, by appoinntment
with no more than two visitors at a time, both of whom must reside
within the same household or living unit and one individual showing
the unit (except in-person visits are not allowed when the occupant is
present in the residence).
(26) Automobile dealerships and similar businesses with a primary
business of automobile sales. In-person sales and long-term leasing
transactions are allowed, as well as the operation of repair shops and
auto-parts supply stores. Automobile rentals are not allowed.
"Automobiles" include cars, trucks, recreational vehicles,
motorcycles and motorized scooters.
(27) Household appliance stores.
(28) Shoe repair shops; in-person sales of other goods and services not
allowed.
(29) Boat yards and other businesses that provide for safety, security and
sanitation of boats stored at docks and marinas, including the repair
of boats.
f. Minimum Basic Operations. "Minimum Basic Operations" means and
includes the following, provided that employees comply with Social
Distancing Requirements, to the extent possible, while carrying out such
operations:
(1) The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the
business's inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee
17
136
benefits, or for related functions.
(2) The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the
business being able to continue to work remotely from their places of
residence.
g . Essential Travel. "Essential Travel" means and includes travel within or
without the County, or between the various counties, for any of the
following purposes, subject to Social Distancing Requirements:
(1) Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities
(including outdoor activities), Essential Governmental Functions or
Services, Essential Businesses, Minimum Basic Operations or
limited business operations.
(2) Travel to care for elderly persons, minors, dependents, persons with
disabilities or other vulnerable persons.
(3) Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving
materials for distance learning, for receiving meals and any other
related services.
(4) Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the County.
( 5) Travel required by law enforcement or court order.
(6) Travel required for non-residents to return to their places of
residence outside the County.
(7) Travel engaged in interstate commerce and otherwise subject to the
provisions of the Commerce Clause of the United States
Constitution.
h. Hotels, etc. Places of residence include hotels, motels, shared rental units
and similar facilities .
1. Business. The terms "business" and "businesses" as used in this Order
include any for-profit, non-profit or educational entities (including sole
proprietorships, corporations, firms, partnerships, limited liability
companies, joint stock companies, associations and other organizations of
18
137
persons), regardless of the nature of their services or the functions they
perform.
J . Social Distancing Requirements. "Social Distancing Requirements" means
and includes maintaining at least a six-foot physical distance from other
persons, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using
hand sanitizer as frequently as possible, covering coughs or sneezes (into
the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and
not shaking hands.
18. Commercial laboratory test results. All commercial laboratories that test
persons in the County for the presence of COVID-19 must report all test results
(whether positive or negative) to the Ventura County Public Health Department
laboratory within eight hours of receiving the test results.
19. Compliance. The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes a threat to
public health and a public nuisance per se. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code
sections 101040 and 120175, Civil Code section 3494 and Code of Civil Procedure
section 731, the Health Officer or any other authorized County of Ventura official
may enforce any violation of this Order and abate the public nuisance by obtaining
injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction. In addition, pursuant to
Government Code sections 26602 and 41601 and Health and Safety Code section
101029, the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and all chiefs of police in the
County ensure compliance with and enforce this Order.
20. Violation may constitute unfair competition. Any person that, after notice,
operates, manages, maintains or occupies or continues to operate, manage,
maintain or occupy, any business in violation of this Order, may, in addition or in
the alternative to any other civil and criminal penalties allowed by law, be subject
to liability under the Unfair Competition Law (chapter 5 of part 2 of division 7 of
the Business and Professions Code, commencing at section 17200), and subject to
civil penalties and other relief as provided therein, for each act or practice in
violation of the Orders, or any of them.
21. Most Restrictive Provisions of County and State Health Orders Enforcable.
This Order is issued in light of the March 19, 2020, State Shelter Order, which set
baseline statewide restrictions on non-residential business activities effective until
further notice, as well as the Governor's March 19, 2020 Executive Order N-33-20
directing California residents to follow the State Shelter Order. This County Health
Officer Order adopts in certain respects more stringent restrictions addressing the
19
138
particular facts and circumstances in this County, which are necessary to control
the public health emergency as it is evolving within the County and the south coast
region. Where a conflict exists between this Order and any state public health
order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the most restrictive provision controls.
22. Effective date and time. This Order shall become effective and operative at
11 :59 p.m. on April 20, 2020, and will continue to be in effect until 11 :59 p.m. on
May 15, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing
by the Health Officer.
23. Continuing assessment. The Health Officer will continue to assess the quickly
evolving situation, may issue additional orders related to COVID-19 and will
review this Order within two weeks of its effective date.
24. Copies of Order. Copies of this Order shall promptly be: (1) made available at
the County of Ventura Public Health Office, 2240 East Gonzalez Road, Suite 210,
Oxnard, California, 93036; (2) posted on the Ventura County Public Health
Department website (available at www.vchca.org/ph); and (3) provided to any
member of the public requesting a copy of this Order.
25 . Severability. If any provision of this Order or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction,
the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to
other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full
force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.
IT IS SO ORDERED:
Dated: April __ , 2020
Robert Levin, M.D.
Ventura County Health Officer
Attachment: Appendix A: Social Distancing Protocol
20
139
particular facts and circumstances in this County, which are necessary to control
the public health emergency as it is evolving within the County and the south coast
region. Where a conflict exists between this Order and any state public health
order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the most restrictive provision controls.
22. Effective date and time. This Order shall become effective and operative at
11 :59 p.m. on April 20, 2020, and will continue to be in effect until 11 :59 p.m. on
May 15, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing
by the Health Officer.
23 . Continuing assessment. The Health Officer will continue to assess the quickly
evolving situation, may issue additional orders related to COVID-19 and will
review this Order within two weeks of its effective date.
24. Copies of Order. Copies of this Order shall promptly be: (1) made available at
the County of Ventura Public Health Office, 2240 East Gonzalez Road, Suite 210,
Oxnard, California, 93036; (2) posted on the Ventura County Public Health
Department website (available at www.vchca.org/ph); and (3) provided to any
member of the public requesting a copy of this Order.
25 . Sever ability. If any provision of this Order or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction,
the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to
other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full
force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.
IT IS SO ORDERED:
~ Dated: April 1-0, 2020
Robert Levin, M.D.
Ventura County Health Officer
Attachment: Appendix A: Social Distancing Protocol
20
140