Today, citing rapid increases in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions across the state, Governor Newsom announced criteria for a stricter “Regional Stay at Home Order” to go into effect. The order, which is not yet in place, will be triggered when ICU capacities throughout Southern California dip below 15% – a threshold which the state has projected to be hit in the coming days. Once triggered, it is our understanding that the order will go into effect within 24 to 48 hours and last for a minimum of 21 days.
According to the state, when the regional stay at home order does go into effect here is what it will mean.
Temporary closures for:
- Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
- Indoor recreational facilities
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Personal care services
- Museums, zoos, and aquariums
- Movie theaters
- Wineries
- Bars, breweries, and distilleries
- Family entertainment centers
- Cardrooms and satellite wagering
- Limited services
- Live audience sports
- Amusement parks
Open with additional modifications:
- Outdoor recreational facilities: Allow outdoor operation only without any food, drink or alcohol sales. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
- Retail: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Shopping centers: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Hotels and lodging: Allow to open for critical infrastructure support only.
- Restaurants: Allow only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery.
- Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
- Places of worship and political expression: Allow outdoor services only.
- Entertainment production including professional sports: Allow operation without live audiences. Additionally, testing protocol and “bubbles” are highly encouraged.
Open with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures including 100% masking and physical distancing:
- Critical infrastructure
- Schools that have waivers and are already open, childcare and Pre-K
- Non-urgent medical and dental care
The order also includes the following restrictions:
- Statewide ban on non-essential travel
- Allows access to (and travel for) critical services and allows outdoor activities to preserve Californians’ physical and mental health
- Stopping all gatherings with those from outside your household
New Relief Programs for Businesses
The Governor also announced this week several new relief programs that will impact businesses.
- Emergency relief package (program details yet to be announced)
- $500 million in COVID relief funds
- Grants up to $25,000 for small businesses, non-profits, and cultural institutions
- Small Business rebuilding fund.
- You can fill out a pre-application here
- Tax deferrals
- Automatic three-month extension for business taxpayers with up to $1 million in sales tax
- Expand interest-free payment agreements to larger companies with up to $5 million in sales tax
- Expand eligibility to industries heavily impacted by operations restrictions including bars & restaurants, hair salons, hospitality industry, etc.
- The previously announced Main Street Hiring Credit went into effect on Dec. 1
- The credit provides $1,000 per qualified employee, up to $100,000
San Diego County Small Business Stimulus Grant Program – Additional Funds
- The County of San Diego announced an additional $20 million in small business grant funds to support small businesses. Each county district has its own pool of funds for businesses. For this round, restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios, movie theaters, museums, zoos and aquariums that have been impacted by moving from the Red to Purple Tier, OR businesses that are part of the “event industry” are eligible. To apply, determine eligibility, or read more about the program, click here.
Carlsbad Business Loan Program
- The Carlsbad Business Loan Program provides funding to Carlsbad small businesses to keep operations going. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses.
- Small business microloans of between $5,000 -$10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees
- Small business recovery loans of between $10,000 – $25,000 for businesses with $3,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees
- Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Access the application
Outdoor Operations in Winter Weather
For those businesses able to continue outdoor operations, with winter weather impacting outdoor operations, the city’s Outdoor Activation Team is helping businesses understand updated guidance related to operating outdoors with tents and/or heating.
- State guidance for temporary structures has changed from, “only one wall can be closed” to, “no more than 50% of the structure’s perimeter can be closed”
- A tent permit can be applied for, here
- Heating and fire safety guidelines for tents and canopies can be found here
Gift Carlsbad this Holiday Season
Looking to safely support a local Carlsbad business while doing your holiday shopping? Check out Gift Carlsbad. The shop local program gives you a bonus amount when you purchase a gift card to a participating merchant. WIN-WIN!
Through all of these changes, periods of uncertainty, and difficult circumstances, Carlsbad businesses have continued to demonstrate resilience and determination. Thank you for ensuring we can keep our residents, businesses, and visitors safe. Together we will emerge a stronger community.
The Office of Innovation & Economic Development is available to assist businesses with challenges they may be facing. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.