During a special meeting, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today voted unanimously to send a letter to Governor Newsom to allow a phased opening of some businesses and loosening restrictions on the public in El Dorado County.
“While implementing the stay-at-home requirements in our county were necessary, we also recognize the significant financial impact this is now placing on our entire community, especially our small business owners. Due to the efforts taken by our county, we have clearly demonstrated the ability to protect our residents from COVID-19 and we are requesting your approval to allow for the limited, phased reopening of our economy that allows for the eventual safe return of El Dorado County to normal operations and activities in a safe manner…” the letter signed by Board chair Brian Veerkamp and Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams says.
The Board heard comments from more than 30 residents, all of whom support the County’s position to carefully and strategically reopen business in a phased approach. The phased approach includes requirements for individuals, individuals and groups, work and business, and outdoor recreation.
The letter points out that El Dorado County has been successful in preventing the spread of COVID-19 as evidenced by the per capita infection rate of 23cases per 100,000 people with a total of only 44 confirmed cases since the pandemic started and five currently active cases, a number that has remained flat for the last 14 days. It also makes clear that the proposed plan is consistent with the Governor’s six indicators he has said will guide his decisions to relax the State Order.
The letter requests a response by Friday, May 8th. See the letter and the reopening guidelines here.