City, County Officials’ Push Includes In-Store Retail, a Win for Automotive

In light of a recent announcement by Gov. Gavin Newsom that counties will be allowed to re-open businesses faster in Stage 2 under new criteria, San Diego County leaders presented their case to move at an accelerated rate and have now received state approval.

A significant move for SCL partners in automotive, the approval means in-store retail operations with modifications will be allowed to resume activity effective immediately. This includes manufacturing operations by SCL partners that have been deemed non-essential – and therefore closed – since California’s stay-at-home order was first enacted on March 19.

In addition to San Diego, other counties that have also received approval to move ahead in the state’s Resilience Roadmap include Kern, Napa, Ventura, and Solano, where SCL also operates.

Metrics San Diego Must Meet

The Governor’s approval to move at an accelerated stage 2 re-opening was contingent upon San Diego County’s ability to meet a number of metrics related to down-trending hospitalizations, an increase in testing and supplies, and a downturn in reported cases.

Although many of these guidelines are largely beyond the control of businesses – such as the city’s ability to demonstrate it can temporarily house 15% of the homeless population in the event of an outbreak – San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and County Supervisor Greg Cox have already been engaging industry leaders in other areas where they do have influence.

San Diego Ready, an initiative spearheaded by city and county officials, outlines guidelines businesses can enact to support accelerated efforts, as well as specific measures for select industries affected in stage 2.

According to guidelines put out by the RECOVER Advisory Group responsible for San Diego Ready, although there are some blanket policies related to maintaining social distancing and cleanliness, “businesses are encouraged to assess how they can meet the intent of the guidelines in their own planning, and to apply them to their operations as appropriate.”

The following guidelines that directly or indirectly affect SCL customers were included in San Diego’s application:

Construction

The San Diego Construction Industry Coalition has created a Construction Industry COVID-19 Exposure Response & Prevention Plan, which outlines exposure response, control, prevention, containment, and training to prevent and mitigate the virus’ transmission between employees and contractors.

Commercial Real Estate

The San Diego Business Resiliency and Re-Opening Alliance, in conjunction with the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and the Building Owners and Managers Association, will release guidelines for tenants, personnel, visitors, vendors, contractors, and other entities independently.

Restaurants

The San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association has adopted Restaurant Reopening Guidelines that include four major categories: social distancing, team member training, a commitment to dining public, and a public educational program.

What an Early Stage 2 Re-Open May Look Like 

While many SCL partners have been operating as an essential business, many others have been entirely or drastically slashed since.

Now that San Diego has been approved for an accelerated stage 2 re-opening, manufacturing partners that specialize in niche products like koozies and guitars will be permitted to resume operations, although details have yet to emerge on exact dates.

As far as modifications to retail like automotive, the state has encouraged by-appointment customer appointments, face coverings, proper cleaning of vehicles, guidelines for test drives and a number of other conditions.

Stage 3, which Newsom says may come “inside of a few weeks,” is slated to include a lift of statewide restrictions on shopping in stores, churches and hair salons, museums and community centers, nightclubs and concert venues, hotels for non-essential travel, and possibly professional sports.

Contact an SCL Consultant today 

In a wide range of automotive, industrial and commercial sectors, SCL remains steadfast on its commitment to product and industry knowledge, performance satisfaction and superior logistics. We protect and optimize the machines that keep our country moving. For more information on how we help can help with services including bulk purchasing or managing inventory, contact an SCL expert today.