In a surprising move, California officials denied Santa Clara County’s request for changes to its COVID-19 health order. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across the region.
County health officer Dr. Sara Cody announced the order Thursday, framing it as longer-term plan. The new order, which would not have taken effect until July 13, moved away from industry-specific regulations.
Instead, it would have set expansive risk reduction requirements, while potentially letting many more activities resume. Businesses, across most industries, that could meet those requirements could have opened, including hair and nail salons.
The State’s denial of Santa Clara County’s request for these changes was clearly unexpected for county officials.
“It makes no sense,” County CEO Jeff Smith told the Mercury News.
The State has granted changes similar to Santa Clara County’s to other Bay Area Counties, including San Mateo County.
County officials are continuing the dialogue with the state to see what the next steps might be.
“We are still in conversations and discussions with the state about that application,” County spokesperson David Campos said in an update video Monday morning.