The City of Brea remains vigilant in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Complaints of non-essential businesses opening in Brea are being received and investigated to ensure compliance. We understand businesses are eager to open, but that will not occur until the Governor begins to lift the Stay-at-Home order. Cities and Counties do not have the authority to supersede the State’s more restrictive orders. In Brea, we are closely following the Governor’s four-stage roadmap for re-opening non-essential business which has not yet occurred.
Yesterday, the Governor announced Resilience Roadmap Stages that emphasize safety and preparedness to work toward ending the State’s Stay-At-Home order. The roadmap is divided into four stages, re-opening lower risk workplaces with adaptations for enhanced sanitization and social distancing practices. Workplaces in Stage 2 include retail establishments, manufacturing, professional offices, and various public spaces. Additionally, included in Stage 2 are schools and childcare facilities which will ensure student safety and allow a broader segment of the workforce to return to work. The key to moving from Stage 1 to Stage 2 is clear and consistent guidance on how to reduce risk in all workplaces and public settings as well as a higher level of care and support for people who are high risk, including seniors and medically fragile individuals. The Governor stated that California is currently in Stage 1 and non-essential business may not re-open at this time.
The County of Orange Board of Supervisors also released business guidelines which, while the stated intent was to guide businesses after they can open, has led to confusion as to whether non-essential businesses are allowed to open now. The answer is no. Non-essential businesses are not allowed to open up at this time. Brea is dedicated to the eventual re-opening of businesses in order to revitalize the economy and get residents back to work. At the same time, we are committed to doing so without putting the community at risk.