Solano County asks for quicker reopening of stores, shopping malls, swapmeets, dine-in restaurants and schools

By Roger Straw, May 21, 2020
Potential future COVID-19 deaths if social distancing is relaxed too early [Michigan Medicine]
Solano County resubmitted it’s “Variance Attestation” yesterday, May 20, and State officials approved it on the same day.  Talk about quick!  Seems our County and State officials aren’t too worried about the inevitable new illnesses and deaths on the back half of our downward curve.

The variance attestation itself seems not to be available on the County’s website.  I will post it here if/when I can get it.

Below is the County’s press statement, released before the approval was granted.  For news on the State’s approval, see Solano County approved for immediate opening of retail stores, shopping malls, swap meets, and restaurants.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2020
News Contact: Matthew Davis, Senior Management Analyst and Public Communications Officer (707) 784-6111 MADavis@SolanoCounty.com

County resubmits COVID-19 attestation documentation to the State, looks to advance more quickly through Stage 2

SOLANO COUNTY – County officials are pleased to announce they have resubmitted COVID-19 County Variance Attestation paperwork to the California Department of Public Health, and are confident the County meets the criteria necessary for advancing more quickly through Stage 2 of the Governor’s order.

Counties with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) approved variance attestation plans for modification are permitted move more quickly through Stage 2 of the Governor’s Stay-at-Home public health order, including the safe reopening of destination retail stores like shopping malls and swap-meets, dine-in restaurants and schools – all with social distancing modifications.

“We believe that we are ready for this next step in the recovery process and look forward to expanding opportunities for our public and business communities,” says Erin Hannigan, District 1 Supervisor and Chairwoman of the Solano County Board of Supervisors. “Thank you to all of the County staff who worked on the attestation variance application process and for helping keep our community safe.”

To be approved to advance through Stage 2, either more quickly or in a different order, a county must attest they are ready to meet specific criteria, including stability of the disease rate in the community, protection of Stage 1 essential workers and vulnerable populations, have adequate testing, containment and hospital capacity and a COVID-19 containment plan.

“The state’s revised application for variance attestation was lengthy, and, based on their new criteria, we are confident we will be given CDPH approval,” says Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H, Solano County Public Health Officer. “As we move to advance more quickly through Stage 2 we will continue to monitor the situation, and our top priority will always remain the health and safety of Solano County residents.”

As Solano County moves to relax its Stay-at-Home health order, we encourage all residents to continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health and Solano County Public Health social distancing best practices, including wearing a cloth face mask outside your home whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained, maintaining a physical distance of six-feet from others, practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette, using a hand sanitizer or washing your hands for at least 20-seconds and to stay at home if you’re not feeling well. Businesses that are permitted to reopen must abide by the social distancing requirements in the County’s and State’s Orders.

For more information about Solano County’s Roadmap to Recovery, social distancing protocol and frequently asked questions about the phased reopening, visit the Solano County website at www.SolanoCounty.com/COVID19 and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH.