The goal of this phase is to maintain 60-65% physical distancing
Critical businesses will remain open with strict precautions (social distancing, masks for all employees, more frequent cleanings, etc.)
Retail businesses may open for curbside delivery and phased-in public opening with strict precautions.
Elective medical and dental procedures begin, with strict precautions to ensure adequate personal protective equipment and the ability to meet critical care needs.
Personal services (salons, dog grooming, limited personal training, etc.) will open with strict precautions. (starting May 1st)
Telecommuting continues for offices. Starting on May 4, up to 50% of staff can work in person (with social distancing in place).
Nightclubs, gyms and spas will remain closed.
No group gatherings of more than 10 people.
K-12 schools remain online only for the 2019-2020 school year.
Vulnerable populations and older adults must stay home unless absolutely necessary.
What does this mean for the general public?
Follow Safer at Home guidelines
Strongly advised face coverings and staying 6ft apart in public
No gatherings over 10 people
Sick people may not go to work
Limit non-essential travel
What does this mean for older adults and vulnerable populations?
Continue to Stay at Home except when absolutely necessary
Utilize special industry hours for vulnerable populations
What does this mean for seeing friends and family?
People should still limit interactions except with immediate household
If you do see limited family or friends outside of your household, be extra cautious to stay 6 ft apart, wear face covering, and limit contact
Stick to solo and non-contact recreation activities like running, walking, or hiking in your local community. Do not travel outside of your local community for recreation. Avoid contact sports or equipment.
What are next steps for the Safer at Home phase?
The state is working to develop best practices and specific guidance for different industries during the Safer at Home phase and will have more details in the coming days.
This includes:
Retail
Offices
Elective Medical and Dental Services
Childcare
Personal Services
Real Estate
How will local governments be affected?
Under the Safer at Home phase, local governments will have a variety of options.
Operates under the state’s Safer at Home executive order and public health orders.
They can go farther than the state, including but not limited to stay at home orders or additional protective measures.
They can apply for a variance from the state. To do so, they will need to demonstrate proof of very low case counts of COVID 19 and/ or 14 consecutive days of decline of infection of COVID-19 in the county. They also must submit an application that includes a written COVID-19 suppression plan approved by the appropriate local public health authority. All local hospitals and elected officials must sign off on the plan.
What is the timeline for the Safer at Home phase?
Sunday, April 26 – last day of Stay at Home order
Monday, April 27 – Safer at Home Order issued
Public Health Order and guidance to be issued:
Retail – Curbside can begin
Real estate – showings can resume
Friday, May 1 – Retail and personal services can open if implementing best practices
Monday, May 4 – Offices can reopen at 50% reduced capacity, if best practices are being implemented. Note: if you can continue telecommuting at higher levels, you are encouraged to do so.
