The City of El Centro says they are going to start the process of reopening businesses.

At a Friday special meeting the City Council voted to allow some businesses shuttered because of the COVID-19 pandemic to open. Phase 1 has already begun when the City suggested that businesses review the list of which businesses have been listed as essential since a number of businesses closed that may have been able to stay open. Phase 2 of the plan takes effect on Monday , May 11 when restaurants , houses of worship , hair salons and barber shops will be able to reopen. The City will require that the social distancing standards and facial coverings guidelines are adhered to. The City of El Centro Aquatic Center is also expected to open. Phase 3 of the plan will follow later with businesses such as bars and gyms reopening. Mayor Efrain Silva said that the decision made by the Council was a difficult one but that a balance of maintaining the health of the citizens and being able to survive economically needed to be reached. The Mayor added that the City had input from El Centro Regional Medical Center officials as well as community leaders. He added that the situation would be monitored closely and if changes needed to be made they would be made quickly. Friday afternoon at his COVID-19 Press Conference Governor Gavin Newsom said that the State of California was just days away , not weeks , from beginning to lift some restrictions to include retail, hospitality , child care facilities and lower risk manufacturing. 

Imperial County was apparently not pleased with the City of El Centro's actions. A news release from the County said , " It is unfortunate that one of our cities has unilaterally , without a countywide coordinated effort , decided to reopen or loosen restrictions for many businesses not taking into consideration the guidance and expertise of state and local public health officials , since all surrounding communities will suffer the long-term effects of reopening our economy too soon and risking additional spread."

A podcast of an interview with KXO's Carroll Buckley and Mayor Efrain Silva is available on the KXO website kxoradio.com.