On Monday, the Governor announced that San Luis Obispo will join 40 other counties and 94% of Californians in the most restrictive Purple Tier following the uptick in national, state and local cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations — effective immediately.

Here’s what else is new:

Further restrictions are being considered, including a possible curfew like Los Angeles is considering and New York has implemented.

What does this mean for local businesses?  Falling back to the Purple Tier means several business sectors in SLO County should resume outdoor-only operations or reduce capacity for indoor operations, starting today.

“We recognize that this news takes some time to filter throughout the community and such change in business practice is not easily achieved overnight. We ask that our businesses make these changes right away, but we understand that it may take a matter of 2-3 days for universal compliance. We intend to educate rather than come down with robust enforcement action over the next few days.” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein

For now, that will look like:

CLOSED:

OPEN INDOORS WITH MODIFICATIONS:

OPEN INDOORS WITH 25% CAPACITY:

OUTDOOR ONLY WITH MODIFICATIONS:

We know this is especially tough as we enter the holiday season, usually marked with celebration and gathering together. But we have the ability to reverse this trend — by working together and staying vigilant, we can move forward to reopening our businesses and our community. All of us can help shorten this setback and the pain our businesses are feeling by following the simple steps below.

How you can help:
The best thing you can do to support businesses right now is to help minimize the spread.

This means: 

  • Maintain 6 feet of distance  
  • Wear a face covering in public 
  • Stay home if sick 
  • Get tested if symptomatic or have been exposed 
  • Avoid crowds 
  • Stick to your social bubble

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything the SLO Chamber can do to support you or your business. We are here for and because of you.