A potential Central District Health order for all four of the counties in its jurisdiction clarifies policies on face masks and would ban some sports.
After voting to reconvene to discuss moving the health districts current public health advisory to a public health order, CDH released a draft of the proposed order. The change clarifies face coverings "must fit close to the face without large side-gaps and must cover the nose and mouth," as well as explain acceptable materials for compliant masks.
If it becomes an order, organized youth and adult sports that cannot physically distance will also be prohibited, the draft states.
The order also states visits to long-term care facilities, jails and state correctional facilities are not allowed and employees of those facilities must follow strict health protocols.
Bars and restaurants would need to comply with similar requirements to current restrictions, including no bar tops open and restaurants that allow indoor seating must distance the tables and accommodate groups no larger than 10 people. The order would also encourage carryout/delivery "when possible."
Gyms and fitness facilities will be limited to a maximum of 50% capacity and physical distancing must be maintained.
More: Central District Health: It's time to move public health advisory to an order
Board members discussed the move Tuesday, saying they did not want to wait until crisis standards of care were in effect to change the advisory to an order.
If your first reaction upon listening to the CDH meeting (and messaging me) is that your kids might miss out on basketball .... and not that we are out of ICU beds.... well, to quote Dr. Fauci “I don’t know how to explain to you that you should care about other people.”
— Diana Lachiondo (@LachiondoD) December 2, 2020
CDH board members voted to reconvene at 5:15 p.m. Friday to take action on the order. People have until 5:15 p.m. on Thursday to submit written comments via email or postal mail. You can find the addresses to send written comment to here. To read the full draft order, click here.
