County issues strong reply to El Centro reopening plan
EL CENTRO – The City Council’s announcement Friday that it has developed a phased plan for reopening local businesses met with almost immediate rebuttal from the county government.
The city said the fourphase plan, which is pending approval at Tuesday’s council meeting, is designed to help keep the community as safe as possible during the re-opening process.
Phase I of the plan would take effect Tuesday. Physical distancing and other protective requirements would remain in place, but retail and commercial businesses would be allowed to accept online orders and provide curbside pickup service.
Phase II, which would take effect May 11, would likewise retain current physical distancing and other rules, but would allow faith-based assemblies, retail and commercial businesses, restaurants with dine- in and outside dining, hair and nail salons, barber shops, and massage and tattoo shops to reopen. The Aquatic Center would also reopen during this phase on a day and time to be announced.
There are no set dates for Phases III and IV. Phase III would include reopening bars and entertainment venues, gym and fitness centers, public events, the bowling alley, softball and baseball fields and the El Centro Public Library. Phase IV will consist of all recreational programs and additional easing of restrictions.
The city said the re-opening plan is based on collaboration with local health care professionals and data based on the ability of the healthcare system to treat patients and the number of available beds in the hospital.
The city said its first priority is the health and safety of its residents and businesses. If there is a surge in COVID-19 cases, the city said it is prepared to rescind, reduce or delay any part of the re-opening plan.
Imperial County’s response to El Centro’s plan indicated it was not impressed. “The County of Imperial greatly sympathizes and understands the hardship many small and independent businesses and their employees in Imperial County have endured over the past several weeks as a result of the restrictions due to COVID- 19,” the county said in a release. “However, it is important to remember that both the State of California and the County of Imperial’s health orders remain in effect.”
The county noted that on Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined a framework for reopening the state economy in phases that are “guided by science and public health, not by political pressure.”
The county added that it also has been working on a plan to reopen the local economy and that it has been doing so in collaboration and coordination with the cities, chambers of commerce and other business and non-profit stakeholders.
“It is unfortunate that one of our cities has unilaterally, without a countywide coordinated effort, decided to reopen or loosen restrictions for many businesses not taking into consideration the guidance and expertise of state and local public health officials, since all surrounding communities will suffer the longterm effects of reopening our economy too soon and risking additional spread,” the county said.
The county said there a has been a consistent increase in positive COVID-19 cases locally, and with state and county testing capacity set to increase, those numbers will increase. “Premature action and increased exposure by opening up more businesses and facilities prior to ensuring that we have adequate diagnostic testing capacity, sufficient health care system capacity, and strengthened public health surveillance may result in a potential surge.”
Meanwhile, Imperial County school representatives have been working regionally in coordination with school, government and health officials from Imperial and San Diego counties to develop comprehensive plans and guidelines to work toward a safe and successful reopening of schools.
County Superintendent of Schools Todd Finnell has appointed three individuals to lead these efforts: County Deputy Superintendent of Schools Renato Montaño, Calexico Unified School District Superintendent Carlos R. Gonzales and ICOE’s Safety and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Alvaro Ramirez.
“I’m proud of the work being done to prepare for a safe reopening of our local schools,” Finnell said. “Our schools play such an important role in our recovery from this crisis. While many things remain uncertain at this time, we’ll be ready to reopen our schools as soon as it is safe to do so.”
“As we work toward reopening our schools in Imperial County, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are a priority,” Gonzales said. “Despite all the changes this pandemic has brought to our everyday lives and to the education of our children, it’s inspiring to witness the amazing work our local educators are providing students across the county.”