San Luis Obispo County on Friday released a public draft of its proposed plan to reopen the county.
"We have bent the curve, we have built capacity, we have increased the tools necessary to test and trace for the disease, and we have the personal protective equipment necessary to manage the spread," said Wade Horton, San Luis Obispo County administrative officer.
The START (Steps To Adapt & Reopen Together) Guide is available for review at ReadySLO.org.
The guide lays out a three-phased approach to allow businesses to reopen and other activities to resume.
Officials say SLO County is currently in "Pre-Phase 1," which is under the county and state's stay-at-home orders. The county can not move to Phase 1 until the governor lifts or relaxes the state's order.
In Phase 1, many businesses and other institutions may reopen partially or in a modified manner, and gatherings of no more than ten people will be allowed.
"As long as we continue to see very good results in our statistics, we are hoping that we can move that forward in Phase 2. Which comes at a minimum and I want to stress minimum of 30 days after we enter Phase 1," said Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo County health officer.
Phases 2 and 3 will further loosen restrictions and allow for larger gatherings.
The timing of the phases will be based on health data and restrictions could be reinstated if there are spikes in cases or hospitalizations.
County officials are asking the public for feedback on the START Guide. You may provide feedback and get other COVID-19 updates on the ReadySLO.org website, by calling the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903, or calling staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.