Guidance: Reopening of businesses in Half Moon Bay

On June 17, 2020 the San Mateo County Health Officer issued a new public health order aligning the county with Governor Newsom’s Resiliency Roadmap. The new order became effective immediately, and emphasizes individual behavior and the practices businesses are required to follow as they resume their operations. With this new order, Half Moon Bay and other San Mateo County cities are effectively in Stage 3 of the Governor’s plan.

Businesses are encouraged to:

All businesses in Half Moon Bay that are allowed to reopen must adhere to a variety of industry-specific guidelines provided by the State - these are critically important guidelines in continuing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The guidelines and requirements for businesses to reopen are outlined in the Health Order and its appendix. Businesses must adhere to industry-specific guidelines from the state, which are linked to each category below and are also also at California’s Industry Guidance web page.

Each business must create and implement a written, worksite-specific COVID-19 plan and post their completed health and safety plan so the public is aware that you have complied with State guidance. The State has created a checklist for some sectors, which can be used as a framework for the plan. If no checklist exists, a business must still create a plan. If you cannot find applicable guidance, your business might not be allowed to reopen yet. 

All reopening businesses will need to create a safer, low-risk environment. Before reopening, all facilities must:

  • Perform a detailed risk assessment and create a site-specific protection plan
  • Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes how to screen themselves for symptoms and when to stay home.
  • Set up individual control measures and screenings
  • Put disinfection protocols in place
  • Establish physical distancing guidelines

Employees with COVID-19 must be aware that they should stay home, and businesses’ sick leave policies need to support that requirement.

Additional resources:

Face covering and social distancing requirements remain in place.

  • Face Covering Requirements: Businesses are required to have employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers wear a face covering in the workplace and when they are interacting with others. Face coverings are also required where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution. Please review the County’s Health Order for additional information. The County has developed Face Covering Signage that businesses can download, print and post.

    Face coverings are now required by the State health order, while in public or high-risk settings including when shopping, taking public transit or seeking medical care. See the State’s guidance for the use of face coverings.  

  • Social Distancing Requirements: The County requires businesses to fill out a Social Distancing Protocol form and post a copy of the Social Distancing Protocol at each public entrance of the facility.