Following the State’s release of guidance, the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer and Director of Emergency Services have announced that Personal Care Services and Wineries can reopen with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers. In addition, on Thursday, June 18, the California Department of Public Health issued Guidance on the ‘Use of Face Coverings’, which broadly requires the use of face coverings in California when in public or common spaces.

On Friday, June 19 at 12:01 a.m., Personal Care Services and Wineries were allowed to reopen in San Joaquin County. The new guidance applies to esthetician, skin care, and cosmetology services, nail salons, body art professionals, tattoo parlors, piercing shops, and massage therapy (in non-healthcare settings).

While many elements of the guidance are the same across industries – such as cleaning and physical distancing – consideration was given to industry-specific methods.

Wineries must provide a clean glass for each tasting and, if possible, do not pour beverages into a glass that a customer has already used. They are also advised to discontinue the use of communal dump buckets, spit buckets, spittoons, etc.

For salons, disposable gloves should be worn throughout the entire esthetic service and while performing cleaning and disinfection of all implements and surfaces after each client session. Nail salons should use disposable supplies whenever possible. Any non-disposable supplies must be fully disinfected between customers.

Each business, should review the guidance, prepare a plan, and put it into action. When complete, businesses can post the industry-specific checklist in their workplace to show customers and employees that they have reduced the risk and are open for business.

Before reopening, officials added, all outlined facilities should perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan; train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them; and implement individual control measures and screenings, disinfecting protocols and physical distancing guidance.

If you must encounter with people outside of your household, remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands and practice good hygiene, and wear a face covering.

Testing for the coronavirus is available at several locations across the county, including free sites in Lodi and French Camp. State developed industry guidance can be found at www.Covid19.ca.gov.

For additional information for businesses and links to alternative COVID-19 guidance, visit www.SJReady.org.