It’s likely that in the next couple of weeks the State of California will direct some businesses in the Bay Area region (including Monterey County) to close or further restrict commercial activity. Hotels will be allowed to open only for “critical infrastructure support.” Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers “only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery.” Retail and shopping centers will be limited to 20% capacity with entrancing metering. Hair salons, barbershops, and personal care services will close.
More information about the looming restrictions is available on this State of California website: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ .Obviously this is yet another blow for local businesses and the people who work for them. But our hospitals in Monterey County are among the many hospitals in California experiencing a significant rise in patients. The need to “flatten the curve” is again highly relevant.

• Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce