July 13, 2020 NEWS RELEASE: State Officials Announce Closure of Indoor Business Operations Due to COVID-19
State officials directed Tulare County to roll back reopening and effectively close indoor operations of certain business sectors immediately to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The following sectors are to cease indoor operations immediately: fitness centers, places of worship, offices for non-critical sectors, personal care services, hair salons and barbershops, and indoor shopping malls.
“COVID-19 continues to spread, and cases are drastically rising throughout Tulare County. Most concerning is the significant increase in hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients, indicating the severity of this virus,” stated Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County Public Health Officer. “We continue to see increased evidence of community spread throughout the county. In order to reduce further spread of COVID-19, we must dial back reopening and close some business sectors to achieve containment.”
To reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19 in Tulare County, local public health officials strongly urge everyone to practice both social and physical distancing of six feet or more between persons. Residents should always wear a face mask or covering while in environments where physical distancing is not possible and while in public settings. More importantly, officials urge residents to not participate in social gatherings of any kind, as a large number of the COVID-19 cases in Tulare County stem from contact transmission through gatherings that occurred beyond a single household.
In addition, everyone is encouraged to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces, and stay home if you are sick or instructed to isolate/quarantine by a medical or public health professional.
Contact Tracing Is Vital
Anyone who is contacted by Public Health contact tracers needs to follow all recommendations, including isolation if necessary. Contact tracing is vital to slowing the spread of COVID-19, and it is imperative for everyone to cooperate with contact tracers and provide information about individuals with whom you may have come into contact. The contact-tracing process enables the County Public Health Branch to track down individuals who may have been exposed and prevent any further spread of the coronavirus. Please remember, contact tracers will never ask individuals for their personal information, such as bank accounts, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or immigration status.
For more information about COVID-19, visit www.tchhsa.org/ncov and www.covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov
