After threats from Governor Gavin Newsome the Imperial County Public Health Officer issued an amended COVID-19 Public Health Order.
With Imperial County experiencing the highest rate of COVID-19 cases in the state , Dr. Stephen Munday issued the amended 13-point plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in the county. The amended plan calls for non-essential businesses be closed for in store shopping. Religious services will no longer be allowed indoors and outdoor services will be limited to 100 persons with social distancing observed. Imperial County Parks will be closed and the county has asked that state parks in the Valley be closed. The amended order also asks cities to consider closing their parks.
Dr. Munday said that the Stay-at-Home order remains in effect and facial coverings are required of any one over 2 years of age. All non-essential gatherings of any size are banned. Dr. Munday specifically pointed out that only members of the household should be together , and that you should avoid relatives who do not live with you.
Businesses must enforce the facial covering rules and social distancing and limit the number of family members to just one when possible. Businesses are also encouraged to use telecommuting.
The Public Health Department updated the COVID-19 numbers Wednesday morning and showed a Toal of 6,523 individuals have tested positive for the virus while 972 patients are active. There have been 97 deaths reported so far.