Monterey County Shelter-in-Place orders are HEREBY EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 31, 2020 but some restrictions have been eased. Public Works director Dan Gho, says that CourseCo, which operates the PACIFIC GROVE GOLF LINKS, will make a decision soon on whether they are willing to make the changes and add the equipment required to reopen the golf course and we will advise as soon as we know.

There have been questions about why the restrictions should appy to golf, which “doesn’t require close contact,” but think about it – it does. Riding on golf carts, moving flags, using ball washers, rest rooms and purchasing beverages…even the act of opening a trash can to throw away trash all require contact.

Caddies will not be permitted. The starter will have to give each golfer a sanitized plastic bag with sanitizing wipes, a mask, tees, scorecard and pencil and bag tag And the safety protocol requires removal of scorecards and pencils at the end of the game.

We are awaiting complete information on easing of local construction restrictions.

It is our understanding that FABRIC STORES which handle supplies to make facial masks CAN OPEN and ANIMAL GROOMING can occur if it affects the health of the animal, but social distancing restrictions always apply.

DRIVE-IN CHURCHES can be set up if they observe all shelter in place restrictions.

You may find the current Monterey Health Officer Shelter-In-Place order at www.co.monerey.ca.us where you will also find more definitions and protocols.

(https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/health-officer-shelter-in-place-order). You may find additional information online or by calling 211.

Media are listed as essential businesses, but we at Cedar Street Times chose to work from home whenever possible.