COVID-19: Santa Clara County sets July 13 as date to reopen closed businesses

New order  reflects the reality that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time

Photo by Vanessa Soto
Customers purchase items in the Sketchers store at the Gilroy Premium Outlets shopping center after it recently reopened from two months of the county’s COVID-19 shelter-in-place order.

By Staff Report

Vanessa Soto

Santa Clara County officials issued a new health order July 2 that focuses on a long-term approach to combat the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as cases continue to climb in the county, state and country.

The order, which is slated to go into effect July 13 or when state approval is granted, whichever is later, will allow certain activities and services such as hair and nail salons, gyms and small gatherings to reopen or resume as long as strict social distancing, face covering and limited capacity guidelines are followed.

COVID-19, Coronavirus, group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the virus causes respiratory infections. 3D illustration.

“Our approach from the outset of the pandemic has been careful, based on constant assessments of relevant data, and also the evolving scientific understanding of the virus,” Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said in a statement. “This new order marks the next stage in this consistent approach, reflects the reality that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we need to adapt to that new reality. Today’s order offers a long-term containment strategy that we believe will need to remain in place for the coming months.”

As of July 3 there have been 4,750 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county with 159 deaths. There are currently 80 people hospitalized due to the virus. In Gilroy, there have been 210 confirmed cases, and 114 cases in Morgan Hill.