Ventura County has ordered certain businesses to close and elderly residents to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus, effective Wednesday. The order, signed late Tuesday by Ventura County Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin, allows restaurants to remain open for delivery and pickup orders only. It closes the following types of businesses: bars and nightclubs that don’t serve food; theaters, bowling alleys and arcades; gyms and fitness centers; and wineries, breweries and tap rooms that provide tastings. Also, the order requires residents of the county over 75 years old, and those 70 and older with health conditions, to “shelter at their place of residence” starting Wednesday until April 1. “Exceptions shall only exist as necessary to seek medical care, nutrition or to perform essential work in government or health care,” the order states. “The violation of any portion of this order constitutes a threat to public health,” with sheriffs and police empowered to “ensure compliance,” it continues. The Economic Development Collaborative in Camarillo, a non-profit focused on economic vitality in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, has published a resource guide on its website to help companies with compliance. “During moments of economic disruption, it is critical for business owners to keep informed of the local, state, and federal resources available,” Clare Briglio, communications director for the collaborative, said in a statement. “We anticipate a greater rollout of benefits from the state and federal government as the economic impact of COVID-19 continues to grow. For this reason, we encourage all business owners to visit the resource page on our website.”
Ventura County Closes Certain Businesses, Orders Elderly to Stay Home
