Several types of businesses may begin indoor operations — though at limited capacity — under new guidance released by San Diego County on Aug. 31. These include gyms and fitness centers, restaurants, movie theaters, hair salons, barber shops and nail salons.
The guidelines also apply to museums and places of worship.
The county is asking businesses and organizations allowed to reopen indoor operations under new state guidance to review and redo their safe reopening plans to ensure they stay in compliance.
The state on Aug. 28 introduced a new tiered system that allows certain indoor activities to resume in San Diego County. However, businesses must adhere to industry-specific guidelines and follow hygiene, social distancing and face covering requirements.
While many sectors can reopen, not all can operate at full capacity.
Gyms and fitness centers can operate indoors but must limit attendance to 10% capacity or less.
Restaurants can open indoor dining but must limit indoor operations to 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is lower.
Places of worship and movie theaters can operate indoors under those same capacity limits. Museums can open at 25% capacity.
Hair salons, barber shops and nail salons can operate indoors at full capacity but must follow safety precautions outlined by the state and county.
“Under the latest health order, businesses will be required to implement a sign-in procedure, collecting contact information for patrons served indoors,” said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., county public health officer, in a statement issued by the county. “This process will assist disease investigators in case an outbreak is traced to a particular business.”
Businesses can find the guidelines that apply to their industry on the state’s COVID-19 website.
Business owners can also email the county with specific questions about reopening guidance for their sector. The address is COVID19BusinessQuestions@sdcounty.ca.gov
