What 'phase' is my county in? Counties that have lifted restrictions in Central CA
Which businesses can open in what county? We've broken it down:
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- More California counties are looking to lift restrictions and reopen businesses to help local economies suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued more relaxed state guidelines that would allow counties to move further along into Phase 2 of his four-part plan for reopening.
Counties that want to expand their opening capabilities are still required to get approval from the state by following specified guidelines.
As more get the green light, there is confusion over which businesses are open in each county in Central California.
In which counties do restrictions still apply?
What is the difference between Phase 2, Phase 2.5 and Phase 3?
We've broken it down for you:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PHASES?
Gov. Newsom broke down California's reopening into four stages. In some instances, the governor has also referred to these as "stages" or "phases," but they mean the same thing.
As more counties begin lifting restrictions, what's the difference between each phase?
PHASE 2
The second stage of reopening allows lower risk, non-essential businesses to reopen with social distancing adaptations for workers and customers.
On May 8, Gov. Newsom said all retailers in the state could reopen with curbside pick-up, and manufacturers could open with modifications.
PHASE 2.5
Last week, Newsom said that counties could now attest for regional variance to lift restrictions for their businesses, moving into what he calls Phase 2.5.
Under the state's "expanded Phase 2," dine-in services can resume at restaurants, businesses can open their storefronts while enforcing social distancing and schools could reopen with modifications.
State officials said public spaces and parks that were once closed could also reopen in Stage 2 while implementing social distancing guidelines.
PHASE 3
During Phase 3, businesses with a higher risk for the spread of the virus, such as beauty salons, entertainment venues or sporting events, would be allowed to reopening with adaptations to adhere to social distancing.
Churches and weddings could also reconvene while practicing physical distancing precautions.
Some counties have declared that they are going into Phase 3, but none have approval from the state.
The governor said some California counties are weeks away from entering Phase 3.
WHAT PHASE IS MY COUNTY IN?
Mariposa County: Phase 2.5
On May 13, Mariposa County was allowed to move further into Phase 2 of reopening after meeting state requirements.
RELATED: Mariposa County given approval to move further into phase 2 of re-opening
The county can open "destination retail stores" for customers to shop. This includes shopping malls and swap meets.
Restaurants can resume dine-in services with social distancing and reduced capacity. Schools are also allowed to reopen with modifications.
Merced County: Phase 2.5
On May 19, Merced County was approved to move further into Phase 2 by the state.
RELATED: Merced County given approval to move to stage 2 of reopening businesses
The county can open "destination retail stores" for customers to shop. This includes shopping malls and swap meets.
Restaurants can resume dine-in services with social distancing and reduced capacity. Schools are also allowed to reopen with modifications.
Madera County: Phase 2.5
On May 20, Madera County was approved by the state to move further into Phase 2 for opening businesses.
Madera County is awaiting state approval after submitting an attestation to progress further into Phase 2.
RELATED: Madera County approved by state for further reopening of businesses
In this expanded phase, retail stores could open their shops to customers and dine-in services could resume at restaurants with some modifications. Schools are also able to reopen.
Fresno County: Phase 2.5
Fresno County received the green light from California to lift restrictions for businesses on Thursday.
The announcement came hours after Mayor Lee Brand said the city of Fresno's shelter-in-place order would be lifted on Tuesday.
RELATED: Fresno's shelter-in-place order to be lifted May 26, Mayor Brand says
Retail stores and restaurant dining rooms inside Fresno city limits can reopen on Tuesday after the order is lifted, with modifications.
Kings County: Phase 2.5
On May 20, Kings County received approval from the state to move further into Phase 2.5.
Retail stores can now open their shops to customers and dine-in services could resume at restaurants with some modifications. Schools may also open with some modifications.
RELATED: Kings County approved by state for further reopening of businesses
Tulare County: Phase 2 (but leaders say Phase 3)
Officially, Tulare County is still in Phase 2, but on May 19, Tulare County supervisors voted to move the county all the way to Phase 3, without state approval.
With the vote, the county said law agencies would not enforce the stay-at-home order and businesses can open while practicing safety guidelines to mitigate spread.
RELATED: Tulare County supervisors clarify that Tuesday vote means businesses can reopen
Tulare County has not received approval from the state to expand its opening, as its case total continues to rise and several nursing facilities are still seeing an outbreak of COVID-19.
Retailers and their associated manufacturers are currently allowed by the state to operate with social distancing modifications and by offering curbside pick-up.
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