• Salons, barbers and gyms can open Monday
• New protocols for Outdoor dining
• All businesses must attest they are using new protocols

 Green light. Red light. Green Light.
 
Santa Clara County last week unveiled a new strategy that would allow hair and nail services, gyms and small gatherings to resume, effective July 13.  The state at first put the brakes on Santa Clara County’s new Public Health Order, but has reversed that decision.
 
While the number of COVID-19 cases in the county undergoes a resurgence, and it becomes increasingly clear that the coronavirus is not going away anytime soon, the county will allow hair salons, manicure places, gyms and small gatherings to re-open starting Monday, July 13.
 
The new order requires strict protocols for every business – not just the businesses starting over on Monday.
 
Much of the new order will be implemented through updated practices:

1. Every business will be required to attest to updated social distancing protocols through a new online portal.  Note:  Everything on the form must be truthful to the best of your knowledge.  Including information you know to be false is a crime.
2. Generally, density limits of one worker per 250 gross square feet and one customer per 150 square feet of space open to the public will be required.
3. Telework will be encouraged whenever possible.
4. Businesses will be required to report to the Public Health Department within four hours upon learning that an employee has tested positive. 
5. Some businesses will be required to implement industry specific requirements (some are still works in progress):

• Personal care services directives for hair and nail salons, tattoo and piercing shops, massage therapy and other body care services.
• Outdoor dining – new protocols: The City of San Jose’s Al Fresco webpage has more information on outdoor dining. And you can download here ABC’s COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization Application.
• Gatherings (including social, religious, political, ceremonial, athletic, and other types of gatherings)
• Gyms and Fitness Centers
• Construction
• Food Facilities

Coming soon, new protocols for:  hotels/motels, agriculture, outdoor pools, recreation and athletics, childcare, summer camps, and children’s activities.

All businesses, including those currently opened, must submit updated Social Distancing protocols by Monday, July 13 at www.covid19prepared.org.

The long-term risk reduction measures going into place will hopefully minimize the number of new cases and people headed to the hospital for treatment.
 
Activities that pose a high risk of COVID-19 transmission such as indoor dining, theaters, bars, swimming in public pools and large gatherings will not be allowed for some time.
 
The best choice for everyone is to remain home and go out only for essential services.  Wear your mask correctly – tightly and around both the nose and mouth – it does not do any good to wear it under your chin only.
 
Downtown businesses with questions about the new Santa Clara County Public Health Order can email SJDA Business Development Manager Nate LeBlanc nleblanc@sjdowntown.com.

VTA Releases 10-Point Plan to Strengthen Trust in Transit
VTA has a plan to ensure bus and train riders feel confident during these extraordinary times. Service has also started to increase incrementally and, with the new protections in place, VTA plans to resume fare collection on Aug. 1.
 
VTA is taking the following 10 steps:

1. Clean and Sanitize Vehicles and Facilities
2. Require Face Coverings 
3. Safely Distance
4. Maintain a Healthy Workforce
5. Adjust Service Frequency/Hours Based on Demand
6. Protect Operators and Passengers
7. Increase Contactless Payment/Fare Collection
8. Increase Customer Information
9. Adopt New Technology and Industry Methodology
10. Enhance Community Partnerships

 Read the full plan here.

#ShopSafeShopLocal
The Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery announced a new campaign, Calling All Californians: #ShopSafeShopLocal, to encourage Californians to support small businesses in their communities as they make modifications to protect public health.  Running through July, the campaign is a call to action to help all California small businesses operate safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their digital footprints.  

As part of this campaign, the State of California has partnered with industry-leading companies, such as Nextdoor, Google, and UPS, and launched a website that connects California’s small business owners to critical tools and resources. These resources will help California’s entrepreneurs adapt to new consumer and market demands and create safer shopping experiences by improving those small businesses’ online presence.
 
The website includes links to:

• Free consulting, in 31 different languages, from California’s network of small business centers
• Resources and offers from our partners to help businesses operate safely and build a digital footprint
• Latest state industry guidance and county variances
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) through SafelyMakingCA.org, California’s new PPE marketplace
• A free digital media toolkit for small businesses and partners

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advances deadline is Sept. 30
The Small Business Administration (SBA) application portal for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) remains open. The application and more information are available on the SBA website. Businesses must apply soon because funding is only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Small businesses may also apply for an EIDL “Advance,” equal to $1,000 per employee of the business (up to a maximum of $10,000), which may not have to be paid back. Email questions to covid19sjbusiness@sanjoseca.gov.
 
Household Hazardous Waste Program Resumes
The County of Santa Clara has resumed the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program following a hiatus due to COVID-19, allowing residents to schedule free drop-off appointments.  For a nominal fee, qualifying small businesses can also make an appointment.  
 
Residents are encouraged to use retail takeback locations for quick and safe disposal of paint, batteries and fluorescent bulbs, sharps and medications.  Visit hhw.org, or call 408-299-7300 for appointments and take-back locations. 
 
City’s webinar library could be helpful to businesses
To help businesses deal with the multiple issues arising from need to restrict the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting Shelter-in-Place orders, the City of San Jose's Office of Economic Development, as part of the Emergency Operations Center, has been producing on-line webinars.
 
Check here and scroll down to "videos" to view recorded webinars. 

• COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings
• Resuming Business TOOLKIT Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Considerations for Restaurants and Bars

OSHA:

• COVID-19 Guidance on Social Distancing at Work

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