The State of California has accepted Imperial County's Variance Report and will allow the County to move forward in the State's Roadmap to Recovery.

According to Imperial County Public Health Director Janette Angulo, late Monday night the State called County officials and said that because of the significant progress the County has made in slowing the growth of the COVID-19 virus , they will allow progress not only to Stage II low risk but also to Stage II high risk , with some exceptions. This step will allow the reopening of malls , hair salons and barber shops and restaurants , with outdoor service. Houses of Worship and other retail stores and facilities will also be allowed a certain level of reopening. An Imperial County Health Public Health Order is expected later Tuesday and will take effect at 5:00 p.m. August 25, 2020.