FAQs • Merced County, CA • CivicEngage

Why is this Order in place?

This Order is in place to address the ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID19 in Merced County. There is substantial community transmission of the virus, which is easily spread between people. One big challenge in controlling the transmission of the virus is that many people who have it don’t have symptoms or have mild symptoms. However; people can easily spread the virus even if they don’t feel ill. The virus can also last on many surfaces (from hours to days).

Unfortunately, this virus can cause severe symptoms in some people and can also be fatal. Some who get the virus, especially those over 60 years old, those who have weak immune systems, and those with various medical conditions (see below for a full list), can end up with serious complications that include fever, pneumonia, and in some instances death. Currently there is no approved treatment or cure for COVID19. That means that people who get very sick need medical intervention such as oxygen or help breathing.

Because the virus spreads so easily, without dramatic intervention like this Order, it would result in so many people needing medical attention in a hospital setting that our hospitals will be overwhelmed. We may not have enough beds or equipment to adequately care for the most seriously ill. Our health care workers and other first responders are also at risk, and if they get sick there are fewer people to provide health care and first response services.

For these reasons, it is critical that we now do everything in our power to slow down the spread of the virus. Doing so will help to “flatten the curve” to slow down the spread of the virus and help our health care system not be overwhelmed. If this succeeds, it means that there will be health care available for those who get sick with COVID-19 or who need emergency medical care for accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious medical conditions. We all have to do our part now to protect everyone in the community. The best way to do that is to “socially isolate” yourself at home to avoid further spread of the virus.

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COVID-19 - Stay-at-Home Order

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1. What does this Order do?

This Order repeals and replaces all previous Stay at Home orders issued by the Health Officer of Merced County, except for the Febrile Respiratory Illness Order issued on April 7, 2020, and incorporates by reference the directive from the California State Public Health Officer designating "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers." For more information on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, see https://www.covid19.ca.gov/essential-workforce. This Order does not supersede any conflicting or more restrictive orders issued by local governments, the State of California, or the Federal Government.

This Order continues to advise all individuals living in the county to continue to stay at home or at their place of residence except to provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential businesses and governmental services or to take part in certain outdoor activities; directing specified businesses to continue to cease certain non-essential operations at physical locations in the county; prohibiting all large non-essential gatherings of individuals; and advising cessation of all non-essential travel.

2. When does the Order go into effect?: The first Stay-At-Home Order went into effect on March 20th, 2020. This updated Order supersedes the April 24th, 2020 Order and went into effect on May 8th, 2020.

3. How long does the Order last?: The Order is currently set to last until it is rescinded, superseded or amended in writing by the Health Officer.

4. Can the Order be changed?: Yes. In the event that the Health Officer determines that hospitalizations, or other factors, indicate an increased transmission of COVID-19 or stresses on critical healthcare infrastructure, the Health Officer may issue an addendum to this order requiring additional prevention measures, such as face coverings, or closure of certain higher risk activities and businesses, including, but not limited to indoor dining at food facilities (as allowed to reopen by the Governor’s Orders and/or any State variances granted to the County), salons and barbershops (as allowed to reopen by the Governor’s Orders and/or any State variances granted to the County), and gyms (as allowed to reopen by the Governor’s Orders and/or any State variances granted to the County).

5. Where is the Order in effect?: This Order is in effect across all of Merced County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.

6. Who issued the Order?: This Order was issued by the Merced County Public Health Officer after conferring with Health officials. The Health Officer has the authority under state law to issue Orders to protect the health and welfare of everyone in their jurisdictions.

7. What happens if I don’t comply with this Order?: Failure to comply with the Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, county jail sentencing, or both.

8. Why is this Order in place?

9. What is the difference between “stay at home” and “social distancing”?

Staying at home is a more rigorous form of social distancing. For the purposes of this Order, “Social Distancing” includes:

Maintaining at least a six-foot distance from other individuals not from the same household.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer.
Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow).
Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.
Not shaking hands.

10. Can I leave home to visit friends or family members if there is no urgent need or I am not performing an essential activity (as defined under the Order)?: It is recommended that you only leave home to perform an essential activity, provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential businesses (as defined under the Order) to stop the spread of COVID-19.

11. Can I still get my mail and deliveries?: Yes. You will still be able to get mail and other deliveries at your home.

12. Can I still order the things I need online and have them delivered to my residence?: Yes. Businesses that deliver essential goods or services directly to residences may continue to operate.

13. Can I go out to do my laundry or have my laundry done?: Yes. Maintain social distancing while outside of your home.

14. Can I leave home to go to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled?: Yes. Drug stores and other medical supply stores are essential and will continue to operate under this Order. For your safety, whenever possible, you should have prescription medicines and healthcare supplies delivered to your home.

15. What if I need to get healthcare from my medical provider?: You can still get your health needs addressed. Contact your health care provider to see if they are providing regular services. Some services, especially elective procedures, may be postponed or canceled. If you are feeling sick, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you are having an actual medical emergency.

16. Can I still seek not yet authorized to reopen medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, elective procedures, etc.?: Generally, you should postpone not yet authorized to reopen medical and dental care if possible. However, preventative medical appointments including dentistry are allowed. Contact your health care provider to see if they are providing regular services.

17. Should I stock up on essential items such as food, toilet paper, and medicines?: No. You will continue to be able to purchase essential items. Stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Please continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally follow. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone.

18. What should I do if I’m sick? If I or a family member need immediate medical attention, can I leave home to go to the doctor or hospital?

Call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you have a medical emergency. If you or your family member are feeling sick and it’s not a medical emergency, you should seek medical advice. First call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center before going to the hospital.

19. Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?: Yes. Be extremely cautious when providing care to vulnerable people and ensure that you protect them and yourself by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.

20. Can I visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility?: You may visit a hospital or other healthcare facility only for the purpose of obtaining health care services and supplies. Do not visit a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or residential care facility other than for the purpose of securing care. People over 60 years of age are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

21. Can I leave home to attend services at my church, synagogue, mosque or place of worship?

Churches and faith-based organizations are responsible for ensuring compliance of individuals utilizing their facilities and participating in their services. Follow the Merced County website for the most up-to-date information at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus.

In-person Worship Services Allowed with Restrictions

Follow the State’s Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies Industry Guidance (viewable at the following link: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship.pdf.

*Places of worship must therefore limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower. This limitation will be in effect for the first 21-days of a county public health department’s approval of religious services and cultural ceremonies activities at places of worship within their jurisdictions. Upon 21-days, the California Department of Public Health, in consultation with county Departments of Public Health, will review and assess the impact of these imposed limits on public health and provide further direction as part of a phased-in restoration of activities in places of worship.

Drive-in Worship Services Allowed with Restrictions

Remote Access Worship Services Allowed with Restrictions

It is strongly recommended to assist individuals with the ability to stay at home whenever possible by offering remote worship services. Remote access to worship services is allowed through e-mail, video streaming, or teleconference.

Faith-based Counselling Allowed with Restrictions

Faith-based counselling can reopen within the following parameters:

1. Counselling services are permissible in-person where the service cannot reasonably be practiced remotely.

2. Counselling services should adopt State guidance on Limited Services, where applicable.

3. This designation does not permit gatherings beyond counselling to members of a single household.

Follow the State’s Limited Services Industry Guidance (viewable at the following link: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-limited-services.pdf).

I operate a funeral home. Are funeral services allowed?

Yes, with restrictions. Gatherings are a significant contributor to the spread of COVID-19, requiring restrictions to allow for a balance between safety and beliefs, rituals, and traditions.

No more than 10 persons, including clergy and technical assistance, shall be present at any given time.

Family shall disclose to clergy if decedent is COVID-19 positive.

Follow the State’s Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies Industry Guidance (viewable at the following link: https://covid-19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship.pdf).

Are baptism services allowed?

Baptisms with as few persons in attendance as possible is preferred. Baptisms may be supplemented by remote access through video streaming with a physical presence of no more than of 10 persons in attendance, supplemented with video for viewing by more than 10 people if desired, and is considered the safest option by the Public Health Department, or in-person is allowed with no more than 10 people present.

No more than 10 persons including clergy and technical assistance shall be physically present for baptism services; no rotation of those 10 persons physically present is allowed.
Wherever possible, all baptismal fonts are to be drained to discourage parishioners from dipping their hands in the water. Use blessed water only from a single-use bottle of baptisms.
Use only new water for each person being baptized.
Participants from different households should avoid direct physical contact.
No ill persons shall be in attendance of baptism services.
All persons must wear a face covering, except that cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing per CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick-diy-cloth-face-coverings.html, and maintain social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals.
Baptism services shall be no more than 30 minutes.

22. I operate a funeral home. Are funeral services allowed?

Funeral services or viewings are not allowed to take place off-site or in a private home.
While direct burial or direct cremation with no persons in attendance is preferred, funeral services may take place by remote access through video streaming, cemetery graveside, or cemetery drive-through with as few people present as possible.
No more than 10 persons including clergy and technical assistance shall be present for funeral services; no rotation of those 10 persons is allowed.
Family shall disclose to clergy if decedent is COVID-19 positive.
No ill persons shall be in attendance of funeral services or viewings.
All persons must wear a face covering, except that cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing per CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-facecoverings.html, and maintain social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals.
Mortuary visitation or viewing shall be no more than 30 minutes.
Graveside visits shall be for no more than 15 minutes.

23. Can I host a memorial service or a traditional ceremony in my home and invite family and friends to attend?: All public and private gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited, except as otherwise stated herein or authorized by the Health Officer.

24. What if I can’t get out of the home? How can I get supplies and food?: Please contact friends, family, or others you know who can provide support. They are permitted to pick up any of your needs. You can also order food and other supplies, and have them delivered to your home. If you think you might be eligible for meals on wheels, call (209) 385-3105 to start the eligibility intake process.

25. Can I leave home to exercise?

Individuals may leave their residence to engage in outdoor activities, including but not limited to walking, hiking, biking, golfing, running or equestrian activities, provided the individuals, or households, wear face coverings, and comply with Social Distancing Requirements (in the Order).

To avoid spread of the virus, it is recommended that you do not invite friends or other family members to exercise with you if they do not live in the same household as you. Businesses such as fitness centers, exercise gyms will be authorized to reopen upon receiving further guidance from the Governor and/or a State variance granted to the County.

26. I feel anxious being home, can I go to a park? Can I travel to a County park or open space if I social distance?: Parks are permitted to reopen with limitations provided the individuals, or households, wear face coverings, and comply with Social Distancing Requirements (in the Order). Park picnic areas, playgrounds, and indoor facilities in parks must remain closed until authorized by the Governor’s Orders or authorized by a State variance granted to the County.

27. Are Parks open and can I visit them?: Yes, with restrictions. Park picnic areas, playgrounds, and indoor facilities in parks must remain closed until authorized by the Governor’s Orders or authorized by a State variance granted to the County. Individuals may utilize these outdoor spaces provided the individuals, or households, wear face coverings, and comply with Social Distancing Requirements (in the Order).

28. Can I take my kids to the playgrounds at the park?: No. Parks are permitted to reopen with limitations. Park picnic areas, playgrounds, and indoor facilities in parks must remain closed until authorized by the Governor’s Orders or authorized by a State variance granted to the County. Individuals may utilize these outdoor spaces provided the individuals, or households, wear face coverings, and comply with Social Distancing Requirements (in the Order).

29. Can I go shopping for things other than food/groceries?: Yes, but it is recommended that you minimize unnecessary trips and follow social distancing requirements (in the Order) to minimize your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

30. Can I go to a bar/nightclub/theater?: No. Businesses such as bars, nightclubs, theaters are closed and will be authorized to reopen upon receiving further guidance from the Governor and/or a State variance granted to the County.

31. Can golf courses remain open, if i social distance myself from others?

Golf courses may remain open if they follow the approved operational guidelines provided by the Merced County Department of Public Health. The approved operational guideline can be found at: https://www.co.merced.ca.us/DocumentCenter/ View/23832/Stay-at-Home-Order-5820?bidId=.

Note these guidelines are a compilation of many clubs’ best practices. These are the minimum requirements that must be enforced; Clubs are able to enforce policies that are more stringent if they feel they are necessary to ensure the health and safety of persons using their facilities.

32. Can I go to a restaurant, café, coffee or tea shop, ice cream shop, or other foodservice locations?: Yes, indoor dining at food facilities will be permitted as authorized by the Governor’s Orders and/or authorized by a State variance granted to the County.

33. I don’t cook, can I leave my home to purchase meals?: Restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and similar retailers remain open. You can purchase prepared foods at grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, and other such food retailers.

34. Can I walk my dog/pet?: Yes, you can walk your dog/pet. Follow social distancing requirements in this Order.

35. Can I take my pet to the vet, pet hospital, or groomer?: Yes. Please call first to determine if the facility has any restrictions in place. Animal care facilities that provide food, shelter, veterinary and/or routine care and other necessities of life for animals including dog grooming facilities, dog day care facilities, animal rescue facilities, and boarding facilities are considered essential.

36. How can I access free or reduced-price meals for myself or my family?: Schools, soup kitchens, food banks, and other entities that provide free or reduced priced food or meals to the public are encouraged to continue providing these services.

37. Can I carry out a court-ordered visit with my kids?: Yes.

38. Will all business offices and stores be required to close?: No. All businesses and organizations in the County should refer to Appendix A of the May 8th, 2020 Order for guidance as to whether the business or organization may remain open or reopen. Appendix A is intended to be consistent with the Governor’s Orders, the directive from the California State Public Health Officer designating "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers" and/or any State variances granted to the County. You can find Appendix A of the Order here: https://www.co.merced.ca.us/ DocumentCenter/View/23832/Stay-at-Home-Order-5820?bidId=

39. What are “Essential Businesses” required to do to operate?

All business and organizations authorized to remain open, or which are allowed to reopen, shall comply with the following requirements:

Limit the number of people who can enter into the facility/job site at any one time to ensure that people in the facility/job site can easily maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another at all times, except as required to complete business activities; and
Strongly encourage employees to wear face coverings or use other protective barriers (e.g., Plexiglas, cubicles) where six feet of distance is not easily maintained between employees, or between employees and the public; and
Where lines may form at a facility/job site, mark six-foot increments at a minimum, to establish where individuals should stand to maintain adequate social distancing; and
Provide hand sanitizer, proper hand-washing stations with soap and water, or approved disinfectant at or near the entrance of the facility/job site and other appropriate areas for use by the public and employees, and in locations where there is high-frequency employee interaction with members of the public (e.g. cashiers); and
Provide for contact-less payment systems or, if not feasible to do so, provide disinfectant for all payment portals, pens, and styluses after each use; and
Regularly disinfect all high-touch surfaces and equipment; and
Post a sign at the entrance of the facility/job site informing all employees and customers of the requirements set forth in the Febrile Respiratory Illness Order issued on April 7, 2020; and
Assign a safety officer to ensure compliance with Health Officer Orders, State Guidance, OSHA regulations, and Reopening Guidelines, as applicable; and
To the extent a business or organization otherwise provides for employee and the public’s safety within the requirements prescribed by the Governor at https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/, such provisions shall satisfy the requirements of this section.

40. I run an essential business, as defined by the Order. Do I need to get an official letter of authorization from the County to operate?: No. If your business is on the list of essential businesses (Appendix A), then you may open and operate your business according to the guidelines provided in the Order. You do not need to obtain any specific authorization from the County to operate.

41. I work for an eligible business, as defined by the Order. Do I need to have a letter from my employer or other documentation to travel?: No. You do not need to carry official documentation demonstrating that you are exempt under the Order. Be prepared to explain if requested by law enforcement why your travel is authorized under the Order.

42. I operate a farm, am I allowed to continue my operation and have employees report to work?: Yes, cultivation, processing and production of agriculture and farming is considered an Essential Business.

43. What if my business is not yet authorized to reopen? Does this Order require that I close my business facility?

All businesses and organizations not authorized to open or reopen shall cease activities and shall close their facilities, except for basic minimum operations such as activities to maintain value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or related functions.

For clarity, businesses may also continue operations to the extent employees or contractors can perform work from home or place of residence. For additional information, please visit the Reopen Merced County website https://reopenmercedcounty.com/

44. I currently receive benefits through Merced County’s Human Services Agency. Will this order interrupt my benefits?: No, the Human Services Agency is considered an Essential Governmental Function and will continue to operate. Contact the office directly if you have questions regarding operational services/hours.

45. Does this Order require that schools shut down?: This Order requires that all schools stop holding classes at physical locations within the County. However, schools may provide distance learning to their students. Employees of schools may go to work for the purpose of providing distance learning to their students. Schools can also continue to offer students free and reduced-price lunches for takeaway or delivery, which many schools are doing in Merced County.

46. Will this order prevent companies working on vaccines and testing for COVID-19 from continuing to do that work?: No. The Order exempts any business that is performing work related to the delivery of health care.

47. I am in the business of manufacturing food that I supply to grocery stores and other food retailers. Am I required to close?: No. All suppliers of essential businesses are allowed (and encouraged) to continue operations. This includes businesses that supply food goods and prepared meals to grocery stores and other food retailers.

48. Does the Order require that businesses stop work that is necessary to our health care system?: No. The Order exempts any business that is performing work related to the delivery of health care.

49. Can my company continue construction on a health care facility?: Yes, the Order exempts any business that is performing work related to the delivery of health care.

50. What other construction is allowed to continue?: Construction workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including residential, commercial, and mixed-use construction), and workers who support the supply chain of building materials from production through application/installation, including cabinetry, fixtures, doors, cement, hardware, etc. may continue work.

51. My business principally manufactures, supplies, or repairs cell phones. Can it continue to operate?: Yes. If your business is primarily engaged in supply or repair of cell phones or other telecommunications devices, then it is essential and may continue to operate under the Order.

52. Are non-profit organizations allowed to continue operating?: If the organization is considered an essential business as described in the Order, then yes, they can and should continue providing those services. This would include non-profits operating food pantries, providing housing for homeless residents, and providing other critical services.

53. What if some of the work my business does at its facility is essential and some is not yet authorized to reopen?: Your business can continue to operate its facility to carry out its essential business functions. You must maximize remote work and comply with social distancing requirements at the facility. The facility cannot continue to carry out business functions not yet authorized to reopen.

54. I operate a “big box store” that sells some clothing in addition to groceries, electronics, and hardware. Do I close off the part of my store that is not yet authorized to reopen?: No. You may keep your entire store open if it primarily sells essential goods and supplies like food, medicines, and telecommunication supplies.

55. What if I have a cafeteria at my worksite. Can it continue to operate to serve workers who are carrying out work exempted in the Order?: The Cafeteria can operate like other food facilities. Cafeteria shall follow State restaurant In-dinning Guidelines. The cafeteria should follow the social distancing requirements in the Order.

56. Is the local government shutting down?: No, essential government functions will continue, including first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, and law enforcement. Other government functions or offices may be subject to reduced schedules or may be closed as part of the effort to fight the spread of COVID-19.

57. I work for the government, Can I continue to go to work?: Government employees can continue to go to work if they are designated as essential employees by their employer. Each government entity is responsible for determining which of its workers are essential workers.

58. What do I do if my employer requires me to go to work?: Many businesses are not permitted to operate under this Order. Essential or authorized businesses, as defined in the Order, are allowed (and encouraged) to continue operating. If you work at a business that is not yet authorized to reopen, you are not permitted to go to work and your employer is not permitted to require you to attend except to sustain minimum basic operations, as that term is defined in the Order. You may work from home if your employer permits.

59. I work in a hospital or medical clinic, but I’m not sure I’m essential. Should I continue to work? What if I’m over 60?: ALL employees of hospitals, clinics, and other organizations that provide healthcare, provide services to healthcare organizations, provide needed supplies to healthcare organizations, or otherwise maintain healthcare operations of all kinds may continue working. Both the County’s Order and the Governor’s recent guidance allows essential workers over 60 to continue working, even though others in that age group are being directed to stay home.

60. What do I do about my kids? I have to work.: If you work for an essential or authorized business, as described in the Order, you can and should continue to work. Certain employers, schools, and community organizations will be providing childcare for employees of essential businesses. You may also employ a nanny or babysitter to provide home-based care for your kids.

61. Can bike repair shops continue to operate?: Yes, bike repair shops are treated as an essential business (the same as auto repair shops) because they are necessary to facilitate essential travel.

62. Can my company continue to provide janitorial services?: Yes, janitorial services are allowed as necessary to health and sanitation.

63. Can grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retailers remain open?

Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of food, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products) may operate. 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 residences.

64. If my child’s school is providing food or meals, can I leave home to go to the school to pick up the food or meals?: Yes, you are allowed to pick up the food or meals and return home to eat the food or meals.

65. Can warehouses and distribution centers that supply businesses that ship and deliver stay open?: Yes.

66. I work for an essential infrastructure organization, can I leave home to go to work?: Yes. You can go to work to maintain and operate essential infrastructure, including public works construction, commercial and residential construction, airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services).

67. What if I want to go to work at a physical location in the County and I’m not sick?: Unless your work is exempted in the Order, you cannot go to work at a physical location in the County. You may work from home for any business if your employer allows it.

68. Can I operate a business that sells things that can be delivered to people's homes? Can I shift more of my business to a delivery model?: Deliveries can continue to be sent to people’s home, and you may adjust your business model accordingly while this Order is in place.

69. My business provides critical services and products for the federal government that we are required to provide on a time-certain basis- can we continue to manufacture these products?: Employees and contractors of any governmental entity may continue to provide the services and products if the governmental entity determines that they are necessary to carry out an essential governmental function.

70. I work in a cemetery - can I go to work?: Yes, cemeteries are essential infrastructure.

71. Are daycare facilities allowed to operate?

Childcare facilities providing services, that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted, may continue to operate. To the extent possible, childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:

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).
Children shall not change from one group to another.
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.
Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.

72. Can home service workers who clean homes continue to provide their services?: Home service workers may provide their services if necessary for health and sanitation.

73. I am a nanny. Will I get in trouble if I go to work?: The Order permits nannies and babysitters caring for a child in the child’s own home to continue working.

74. Can I get a ride in my favorite ride share/on demand service or a taxi?: Yes. Keep in mind that being in close quarters in a vehicle that has been shared with many others should be avoided if possible.

75. Can I take public transport (bus, subway, train)?: Yes. When using public transport, you should maintain at least 6 feet distance from one another (2 or 3 steps away), including if you are on the bus or on trains.

76. Am I allowed to leave the areas covered by this Order to travel to/from a job outside the Bay Area? Does the Order allow me to leave the County?: Yes. Consider reducing travel when possible because it does increase risk to you and others in the community.

77. I am currently on vacation outside the County—does the Order allow me to return home?: Yes. The order permits you to travel to return home.

78. If I’m outside the County travelling for business-does this Order allow me to return home?: Yes. The Order permits you to travel to return home.

79. I’m visiting and staying in a hotel, with family/friends, or in a short-term rental. What should I do? Can I go home?: Yes, you can leave the County for the purpose of returning home.

80. What if I’m in a line and there isn’t six feet between me and others?: You should still try to maintain at least six feet between you and others. When that isn’t possible for short periods, do your best to keep the duration short. And be sure when in line you don’t sneeze or cough onto people. If needed, cough or sneeze into your shirt or into an elbow with clothing on, not into your hand.

81. What if my plumbing gets stopped up or there is another problem with necessary equipment at my home? How will I access those sorts of services?: Call your plumber or building manager. This Order allows service providers like plumbers, electricians, and exterminators to keep working and providing their services to the public. To obtain supplies for a DIY solution, you can also visit your hardware store, which is allowed to stay open under this Order.

82. What do I do about my loved one who needs care from me?: You are permitted to provide care or to help out with getting supplies for loved ones, even if they do not live in your household. But do not provide care or pick up supplies if you are sick and someone else can help them. If you are sick, please try to self-isolate or take other steps not to expose anyone else to your illness.

83. What are the guidelines for staying at home under the Health Officers latest Health Order dated May 8th, 2020?

Currently the FAQ section providing public guidance for staying at home under the May 8th, 2020 Health Order are being updated to this web page. Guidance for individuals, businesses, and organizations will be made available as soon as this process is complete.

The latest Order repeals and replaces all previous Stay at Home orders issued by the Health Officer of Merced County, except for the Febrile Respiratory Illness Order issued on April 7, 2020, and incorporates by reference the directive from the California State Public Health Officer designating "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers." For more information on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, see https://www.covid19.ca.gov/essential-workforce. This Order does not supersede any conflicting or more restrictive orders issued by local governments, the State of California, or the Federal Government.

84. Are baptism services allowed?

Yes, with restrictions. Gatherings are a significant contributor to the spread of COVID-19, requiring restrictions to allow for a balance between safety and beliefs, rituals, and traditions. If the following guidelines cannot be followed, visitors will not be allowed. Baptisms with as few persons in attendance as possible is preferred. Baptisms may be supplemented by remote access through video streaming with a physical presence of no more than of 10 persons in attendance, supplemented with video for viewing by more than 10 people if desired, and is considered the safest option by the Public Health Department, or in-person is allowed with no more than 10 people present.

No more than 10 persons including clergy and technical assistance shall be physically present for baptism services; no rotation of those 10 persons physically present is allowed.
Wherever possible, all baptismal fonts are to be drained to discourage parishioners from dipping their hands in the water. Use blessed water only from a single-use bottle for baptisms.
Use only new water for each person being baptized.
Participants from different households should avoid direct physical contact.
No ill persons shall be in attendance of baptism services.
All persons must wear a face covering, except that cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing per CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html, and maintain social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals.
Baptism services shall be no more than 30 minutes.

85. What businesses are authorized to open under stage 2.5?

Essential Businesses (Stage 1)
Dine-In Restaurants
In-Person Retail Stores and Manufacturing
In-Person Offices (teleworking encouraged)
Pet Grooming, Car Washes
Hair Salons and Barbershops
Outdoor Museums, Open Gallery Spaces
Religious Services
Childcare Facilities (Open after May 27)
Malls and Swap Meets (Open after June 3)

86. What are the specific guidelines that businesses must follow in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19?

Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
Implement individual control measures and screenings
Implement disinfecting protocols
Implement physical distancing guidelines

Review the industry specific guidance that is relevant to your business, prepare a plan based on the guidance for your industry, and put it into action.

When complete, you can post the industry-specific checklist in your business work-place. Further instructions for businesses is available at www.reopenmercedcounty.com/guidelines or https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/.

Hair Salons and Barbershops

Services for these operations must be limited to services that can be provided with both the worker and customer wearing face coverings for the entirety of the service. For example, haircuts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock maintenance, wig maintenance, hair relaxing treatments, and color services can be provided.

Services that cannot be performed with face coverings on both the worker and customer or that require touching the customer’s face, e.g., eyelash services, eyebrow waxing and threading, facials, etc., should be suspended until those types of services are allowed to resume.

Hair salon or barbershop owners or operators must acknowledge that lessees should only resume operations when they are ready and able to implement the necessary safety measures to provide for their safety and that of their customers.

Review the industry specific guidance that is relevant to your business, prepare a plan based on the guidance for your industry, and put it into action. When complete, you can post the industry-specific checklist in your work-place. Further instructions for businesses is available at www.reopenmercedcounty.com/guidelines or https://covid-19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-hair-salons.pdf

Retail

Retailers, shopping malls, and libraries can re-open, along with the manufacturing and logistics sectors that support retail. Interior stores in shopping malls can do curbside pickup with modifications. Drive-in movie theaters can re-open with additional considerations. Retail does not include personal services such as beauty salons, but does include the sale of goods such as:

Bookstores
Jewelry stores
Toy stores
Clothing and shoe stores
Home and furnishing stores
Sporting goods stores
Florists

Review the guidance, prepare a plan, and post the checklist for retail in your workplace to show customers and employees that you’ve reduced the risk and are open for business. Further instructions for businesses is available at www.reopenmercedcounty.com/guidelines or https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-retail.pdf

87. Child Care Facilities

Child Care facilities should:

Follow procedures daily for self-screening for all staff, residing family members in a FCCH, and children. This should include taking temperatures before arriving to work or beginning care.
Train staff about the new screening procedures and notify caregivers. Ask caregivers to screen themselves and children daily, prior to coming to your facility. Caregiver must also notify you if children have taken any fever reducing medications in the prior 24 hours.
If anyone has a temperature of 100.4°F/38°C or higher they must be excluded from the facility.
It is recommended as a best practice to take children’s temperature each morning only if the facility uses a no-touch thermometer. The no touch thermometer needs to be wiped with an alcohol wipe after each use.
If the facility uses a thermometer requiring a touch-method (under the tongue or arm, forehead, etc.), it should only be used when a fever is suspected.
Thermometers must be properly cleaned and disinfected after each use. (Information regarding best practices for thermometers can be found within the CDC document at this link.)
Monitor staff and children throughout the day for any signs of possible illness.
If staff or a child exhibit signs of illness, follow the facility procedures for isolation from the general room population and notify the caregiver immediately to pick up the child.
Implement and enforce strict hand washing guidelines for all staff and children.
Post signs in restrooms and near sinks that convey proper hand washing techniques.

For further instructions visit the Guidance for Childcare industries at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2020/CCP/PIN_20-06-CCP.pdf or https://reopenmercedcounty.com/guidelines/

88. Child Care Centers

All child care centers should adhere to the following: child ratios and group size outlines below for prevention, containment, and mitigation measures.

Age Staff:Child Ratio Group Size

0-18 months (infant) 1:4 10

18-36 months (toddler) 1:6 10

3 years-kindergarten entry 1:10 10

(preschool) & kindergarten entry

0 to school age (mixed age groups) 1:6 10

Follow the group sizes in the chart, unless more restrictive group sizes are required by federal, state or local authorities. The group sizes do not include the teacher. When mixed ages are present and include an infant under 18 months, adherence to the ratio 1:6 must be followed to allow for responsive care giving. If all children being cared for are infants, adherence to the 1:4 ratio must be followed within a group size, with no group no larger than 10.

Family Child Care Homes (FCCH)

Small and large family child care homes serve a total capacity of no more than 14 and group size may not exceed 10 children, unless more restrictive group sizes are required by state, federal or local authorities. (Over ten children will require an additional staff or assistant to maintain group sizes of ten or fewer children).

If there are more than 10 children in care, then the children need to be divided into two groups and kept separate from the other group of children each day, to the greatest extent possible. It is important to keep the same children and teacher or staff with each group and include children from the same family within the same group, whenever possible.

Required ratios for infants in a Family Child Care Home (FCCH)

Infants 0-18 months Provider: Infant Ratio Group Size

Infants only 1:4 Infant 4

No more than two infants 1:6 (2 infant + children) 6

when 6 children are present

For further instructions visit the Guidance for Childcare industries at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2020/CCP/PIN_20-06-CCP.pdf or https://reopenmercedcounty.com/guidelines/

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