Social distancing rules to take e ect
EL CENTRO — Prevention and containment of COVID-19 e ectively have become law in Imperial County.
Imperial County Public Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday on Tuesday issued several orders to take effect from Friday at midnight to 11:59 p.m. March 31. He said the Public Health Department and county want to be proactive rather than reactive, and that they believe these measures or orders will help control community transmissions and outbreak.
All public and private gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited, though gatherings of any size are discouraged.
All bars, adult entertainment establishments and any other place that only serves alcohol will have to close by Friday.
Restaurants that serve food will have to stop on-site dining. Food will have to be delivered, served through drive-thru or picked up on site with the social distancing guidelines of 6 feet between individuals being followed for on-site pickups.
All businesses will enact social distances, increased sanitation guidelines and environmental cleaning in accordance with the guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and will make every effort to implement telecommuting options for its workforce.
All businesses will suspend any policy or procedure that requires an employee to obtain a doctor’s verification or approval before utilizing sick leave or other forms of leave.
It is strongly recommended that all persons 65 and older, have a compromised immune system or a chronic illness to self-quarantine themselves at home.
Nonessential personnel are prohibited from entering any hospital or long-term care facility.
Hospitals and healthcare providers will take measures to preserve resources, including delaying nonemergency or elective surgeries or procedures when feasible.
Any person arriving in the county from locations found on the CDC and Prevention Warning Level 3 Travel Advisory will be subject to a 14-day home quarantine and self-monitoring for fever and respiratory symptoms.
It is also strongly recommended for any person exhibiting mild to moderate symptoms to self-isolate themselves in their home unless seeking medical treatment.
This order is issued as a result of the World Health organization’s declaration of a worldwide pandemic of the virus, which to this date of the order has infected 179,165 individuals and more than 7,000 deaths worldwide.
The order is also based on the increasing transmission of the virus in the state and the significant risk of widespread introduction into the county.
Imperial County thus far has had two positive cases for novel coronavirus. The patients were a senior couple who had recently traveled to Florida. Both at last report had been transferred from El Centro Regional Medical Center and were recovering in San Diego.
On Tuesday, the first two positive tests were confirmed in Mexicali.
Rumors of a third positive test in Imperial County at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley were deemed false.
“Pioneers Memorial Hospital does NOT have any confirmed positive cases of COVID-19,” the hospital said on its Facebook page. While we thank you for your active
questions and discussions revolving around the matter, we felt it necessary to quell any rumors that may be floating around at this time. As a reminder, if there is an announcement to be made, it will come from the proper channels and agencies as we are obliged to do so.”
The county said the intention behind its new public health directives order will reduce the likelihood that many individuals will be exposed to the virus and will assist in preventing the spread of it in the county. By assisting in the prevention of the spread this order will help to preserve critical and limited healthcare capacity in the county.
The order is issued to prevent gatherings because these attract individuals from a large geographic area, prolong time periods in which people are in close proximity, inability to trace exposure when large numbers of people attend a single event and the inability that attendees follow adequate hygienic practices.
The county said the order also comes after the release of substantial guidance from the health officer, California Department of Public Health, California governor and the White House have all recommended the postponement or cancellations of large gatherings.
What the order does not prohibit is the operation of airports, public transportation or other spaces where 50 or more people may be in transit but are able to practice social distancing.
It also allows the operation of businesses deemed essential where 50 or more people may
be present but are able to practice social distancing.
The order also does not apply to homeless shelters or other essential gatherings that are for the protection of public health and safety where precautions are taken following federal, state and local public guidelines relating to the virus.
It is strongly encouraged that social distancing be practiced at any gathering of less than 50 people.
Pursuant to section 120175.5 of the California Health and Safety Code all government entities in the county will take all measures within the governmental entities respective control to ensure compliance with the order and to disseminate the order to locations where large gatherings may occur.
Violation of the order could be punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both and will be enforced by the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office or any of the city police departments.
Munday said the order will be evaluated and extended if appropriate on or before March 31.
Munday also said if or when people get sick they should stay at home, if not serious, because there is no cure and medical professionals cannot help.
Later this week County CEO Tony Rouhotas will issue restrictions within the county for no walk-ins and people instead will need to set up appointments.
He said a contingency plan will also be set up for county employees for whom they serve and will instill additional social distancing measures.