COVID-19 | Updates & directives

For the most credible and up to date information in this time of uncertainty and change, direct your team to these resources.

UPDATE March 17 | VACCINE ELIGIBILITY: The County has opened up eligibility for more groups to receive the vaccine, including housekeeping staff and others working in hospitality. Housekeeping staff in hotels and motels are currently eligible for the vaccine (included in the state guidance under janitor eligibility). Please note, this does not include housecleaners for vacation rentals. Proof of employment (paystub or other documents) is required. To view additional details, click HERE. While not all hotel personnel will be eligible, those who work with food, drive the hotel shuttle or are high-risk for medical conditions or disabilities are eligible for the vaccine in addition to housekeeping staff. To view full details, click HERE.

UPDATE January 14: The County Public Health Department has expanded its COVID-19 information online. This website will be updated regularly with the latest information about vaccine distribution. Check it out: recoverslo.org/vaccines

UPDATE November 16: Fast Rise in COVID-19 Case Rates Lands SLO County Back in the State’s Purple Tier

UPDATE September 22: More Businesses in SLO County Can Open Indoor Operations with Modifications

UPDATE September 15: Governor Newson introduced the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a new tiered system that replaces previous reopening guidelines. The color-coded system is based on just two metrics: the number of daily COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents and the testing positivity rate. Starting Monday, August 31 indoor hair salons and barbershops, all retail stores and shopping centers (at maximum 25% capacity) will be allowed to operate with authorization from the County Public Health Officer.

The County Public Health Department wants to know what you think about COVID-19 testing! Testing is vital to slowing the spread and reopening our community. Please take this two-minute survey to help guide the future of testing opportunities in our county. 

SLO County Community Testing Survey

The state’s roadmap provides stages for workplace re-opening and guidelines for business.

Reopening Guidelines by Industry (State of CA)

As businesses move into a phased reopening, they will need to complete the County’s Readiness to Reopen Self-Certification Form as part of a detailed assessment to reduce risk to employees and customers.  A signed version must be kept available at each business.

On May 8, the City implemented an online Business Reopening Inquiry form.  The online form provides business owners the option to request clarification on what operations can be performed at this time. In addition, there is enhanced business support assistance accessible through the Business & Community Hotline. The phone number is (805) 783-7835.

SLO County Public Health | Live press briefings Wednesday at 3:15 p.m.

The Governor’s Office | Live press briefings at 12 p.m. daily

Guidance on Face Coverings

On June 18, California Governor Newsom announced face coverings must be worn in most public settings where social distancing isn’t possible. This state-wide action creates consistency across jurisdictions and we hope it will provide structure that so many of our members have been asking for as they reopen. We know that the health of customers, employees and our broader community is key to our economic recovery and encourage everyone to respect this order while they are supporting our local businesses.

There are a few exceptions including:

  • Restaurant goers, if they can maintain a 6 ft. distance
  • Those engaging in exercise, if maintaining social distance
  • Children under 2 years old
  • Those with a medical or developmental disability
  • The hearing impaired

For the full guidance issued by the State, view the press release, here.

Additional resources:

Educational Videos

On Thursday, May 14th we heard from Board of Supervisors Chair Lynn Compton on why the County moved to align with the State’s Resilience Roadmap, as well as from REACH’s Andrew Hackleman on ways our region can collaborate to assist recovery efforts. We were also joined by Dr. J. Trees Ritter who spoke about the key health measurements SLO County will need to hit in order to reopen. We encourage you to watch this webinar as it helps to shed some light on the weeks and months ahead.




With the Governor’s announcement that the State will move into “early Stage 2” starting on May 8th, 2020, there has been some confusion as to what phase or stage we are in here in SLO County. Guy Savage, Assistant County Administrative Officer and Derek Johnson, SLO City Manager provide some insight on the issue.




San Luis Obispo Police Department Chief Cantrell shares an update on public safety protocols and procedures in SLO. She encourages all residents to continue sheltering at home and practicing physical distancing to help slow the spread of COVID.




A huge thank you to the SLOPD and all first responders on the frontline of this crisis for tirelessly serving our community and keeping us safe.
SLOtogether

The City of SLO has designed signs and posters to help direct people to the City’s website for COVID-19 related information and to share positive and encouraging messages in our community.

COVID-19 SLO City Community Updates

The following updates are the City’s response on slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and reducing the impact on our community.

SLO County |ReadySLO.org COVID-19 page

California State | COVID-19 information site

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

CDC | How to Protect Yourself and Others

US Travel | Guide for Healthy Travel Practices and Preparedness

Questions? The County COVID-19 Assistance Center phone line will be staffed daily between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (805) 543-2444

Please reach out if you know of an additional resource you think should be on this list or if there is anything the SLO Chamber team can do to be of service to you.