Shasta County is not on the Governor’s watch list, but public health says the only way to prevent further restrictions is by following the guidelines of face covering, social distancing, restricting travel and staying home when sick. The entire state is subject to the order to close bars and indoor dining, movie theaters, wineries, breweries, museums, zoos and entertainment centers like bowling alleys and miniature golf. Shasta County is, for now, exempted from the closures of gyms, churches, personal care services, hair salons, barber shops and indoor malls.
A number of local restaurants have simply refused to close, apparently with no recourse. Shasta County officials have shown no effort to enforce restrictions on businesses beyond issuing stern rebukes and appealing to a sense of humanitarian responsibility. On Wednesday public health officials said they would be convening with law enforcement authorities to discuss what, if any, measures might be taken. Redding Police Chief Bill Schueller has said his department doesn’t have the time or resources to deal with enforcing closures. The Governor has said the state can take action administratively, including by suspending liquor licenses.
The City of Redding has offered a partial solution for some restaurants. They’ve streamlined the application process for an outdoor dining permit so table service can still be done on patios and parking lots. The fee for the permit is being waived. Restaurants that serve alcohol should first get their $100 A.B.C. outdoor alcohol permit and then the city permit at cityofredding.org.
Masks and hand sanitizer are available for free to small businesses. The State Office of Emergency Services has given Shasta County more than a Half-Million surgical masks and almost 4,300 gallons of hand sanitizer to be offered at no cost to businesses with 25 or fewer employees. It’s being distributed by Superior California Economic Development at 225-2760 extension 203.