More restrictions coming with governor’s order
EL CENTRO — On Thursday afternoon, Imperial County officials were working on deciding which offices would remain open and which ones would be shuttered due to the COVID-19 virus.
As the county was finishing up deciding what departments were essential and nonessential, what their hours of operation would be, or whether they would have any hours at all, big news broke that went further than the county’s restrictions.
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all Californians with non- essential jobs to stay at home, making it the first time mandatory restrictions were placed on the lives of each state resident in its fight against COVID-19.
Newsom said he hopes by telling people to stay in their homes it will slow the spread of the virus and help hospitals in treating patients.
“It’s time for all of us to recognize, as individuals and as a community, we need to do more,” Newsom said at the press conference.
The county previously reported that walk-ins to meet face-to-face with county employees would no longer be permissible, but those could be allowed through appointments.
Most of those employees whose departments have closed will work from home.
County CEO Tony Rouhotas Jr. said the goal would be to not diminish services to the public.
The county on Wednesday closed all of its parks and the tax collector’s office.
Even with that, Imperial County said it does have the authority to waive penalties, costs or other charges resulting from tax delinquency due to reasonable cause and certain circumstances related to this crisis.
“We are working on compiling a list of non-essential services,” County Public Information Officer Linsey Dale said before the governor’s announcement.
Dale said the county was developing a document that will show all offices and their hours of operation and available services.
On Tuesday the county closed to the public all of the American Job Centers of California.
The computer banks at the comprehensive AJCCs located in El Centro, Calexico and Brawley will still be available for limited services, but by appointment only.
The Area Agency on Aging has also closed all senior nutrition congregate sites for dining until further notice. However, meals will continue to be provided at the sites for seniors to pick up and take home.