Carson City dodged the first bullet – but for how long?
 
As aggressive testing continues and people are taking advantage of the relaxed restrictions after having been cooped up for so long, one wonders how long the new “freedoms” will last.   
 
The California governor has just ordered the shutdown of all indoor dining in all 58 counties, making it again difficult for those restaurants without a means to have outside dining to serve customers other than through take-out.   Our governor has closed bars not serving food in 10 counties effective last Friday stating that the situation will continue to be monitored and could extend to other gathering places if the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise.  We may never get out of Phase 2.  
 
The health community is saying “wear masks” – please!
 
There’s not a person we’ve met that is enjoying wearing a mask when in public spaces, but according to health officials, masks are necessary to control the spread.  That means employees and the public MUST wear a mask to do business or turn away customers.   All the customer service tips we’ve learned have gone by the wayside.  Employees are now REQUIRED to become enforcers and that can lead to unwanted altercations.  Law enforcement nationwide has declined to use their powers to enforce mask wearing.  Those on the new “front line” are not at all happy with their new role, but the repercussions could be devastating. Some are not wearing masks due to political reasons. 
Beware the OSHA inspector
 
Related to the blurb above is Emergency Declaration #024 issued on June 24^thstating:

What does this means?  If you are serving customers who do not wear a mask, you can be cited.  A second citation could cost you your business.

For your reference and reminder, please click here to see the OSHA updated guidelines (Link)

Declaration of Emergency Directive 024 (6/24/2020)

• Guidance on Directive 024: Face Coverings (updated 6/25/2020)
• Fact Sheet: What does the science say about face coverings

City staff creates “wear masks” posters – free to businesses
 
We are hoping to look somewhat uniform in our message to customers to please wear a mask for their sake and ours.  Instead of the typed or handwritten messages seen all over town, you are welcome to pick up FREE posters to place outside your place of business asking customers to please wear masks or risk being turned away.   Here’s the art (Poster 1) (Poster 2)  The size for each poster is approximately: 11″ x 17″. Come by the Chamber office to pick up your posters. Call ahead to allow us to have them ready:  882-1565.
 
Restaurants: Got space for a few outdoor tables?
 
There are city regulations regarding outdoor dining and we want to remind you that you must petition for an “encroachment permit.”  At this week’s Board of Supervisor’s meeting, encroachment permits and other issues will be discussed to try to assist restaurants  in their battle to stay solvent during this time of uncertainty.  Outdoor dining and take-out is still acceptable; indoor dining may soon be closed if the numbers continue to rise.
 
Necessary supplies to battle COVID-19 spread are still hard to obtain
 
Whether for business or home use, it’s hard to find PPE and sanitizers.  And, if you can find it, the cost is high, thus increasing the cost of doing business.

We are working with the City to use some of their CARES Act funding to pay for needed items for businesses to remain in compliance.

We have sent out a survey to our member businesses to determine whether the businesses can obtain these supplies – no strings attached. (Link)

If you did not receive this online survey, please contact us at 882-1565 and we can take it over the phone.