On Saturday, a city from California had called itself a 'sanctuary' amid the stay-at-home orders in the state, says an article. The city of Atwater called itself a sanctuary after allowing businesses in the city to reopen while other parts of the state remain at implementing stay-at-home orders. 

Taking the Risk of the Coronavirus

 The businesses in Atwater were allowed by Paul Creighton, the mayor of the city to reopen but not without warning. The mayor of the city warned businesses that are planning to reopen to consider the risks of the coronavirus. It means that businesses will be the ones who will be accepting the risks of the coronavirus if ever they decide to resume their operations. 

The Decision to Reopen Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

Since the city had given the go-signal for businesses, they will be the ones to decide if they should reopen or continue operations amid the pandemic. Businesses and even churches are allowed to operate again without any local government interference. It means that if you are a business operating within the territory of the city of Atwater in California, the local government is giving you the option to decide for yourself if your business is ready to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Check these out:

California is Reopening

Starting May 12, the state of California had begun giving the go-signal for some of its counties to allow businesses to reopen, according to an article. The criteria of the state in allowing a county to allow businesses in their territory to reopen is if it had effectively implemented the requirements to help control and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the county. It means that Californian counties that had performed very well at keeping their coronavirus cases at acceptable and manageable levels will be given the green light for reopening businesses under their authorities.

The article also reveals that the businesses that will be allowed to reopen include shopping malls, car wash servicing, pet care services, and restaurants. It means that citizens in these counties will be able to get these services available in their county. 

To reopen, a county must undergo a risk assessment and create plans to protect employees and customers from the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, says the article. 

Before Phase Two

Currently, the state is under the second phase of reopening. Governor Gavin Newson has a four-phase plan for the reopening of the state. The plan was announced by Governor Newsom on April 28 while the state was still implementing a statewide stay-at-home order. 

Before phase two, Governor Newsom had allowed the operation of low-risks businesses such as bookstores and sports equipment stores. However, in-store shopping was still not allowed during the first phase as these stores were only allowed to operate for pick-up or delivery orders, according to an article. 

In phase two, businesses such as shopping stores and restaurants were permitted for in-person transactions. It means that restaurant customers will be permitted to dine inside the restaurant and go shopping in person in stores.