COVID-19 Business Reopening Plans

On September 22, 2020, Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Howard A. Coren issued a revised Health Order that takes effect on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 until rescinded.  The September 22, 2020 order is here. 

The State Blueprint for a Safer Economy is here.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of California and Mendocino County have issued guidance for businesses to reopen. This website is your guide to achieving compliance for reopening.

BEFORE businesses can reopen they must comply with State and County of Mendocino guidelines and submit a self-certification to the County of Mendocino. High-risk sectors must write and upload their plan to this portal. The County recommends businesses review this site on a regular basis for updates to industry best practices.

Follow the simple steps below to self-certify and achieve compliance:

  1. Review the required Mendocino County Safe Operations Business Checklist
  2. Select your industry sector
  3. High risk sectors must write and upload their plan to this portal
  4. Moderate risk sectors can review recommendations and create their plan to have on-site
  5. Complete the Self-Certification (Business License required)
  6. Download your Certificate of Compliance to post at your business

Effective September 22, 2020, the following types of businesses must remain closed unless they can be modified to operate outside (under a canopy or other sun shelter for sufficient air movement) or by pick-up.

  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Places of Worship and cultural ceremonies, like weddings and funerals
  • Offices for non-essential sectors


Effective September 22, 2020, the following business sectors must continue to cease indoor operation in Mendocino County until further notice:

  • Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food
  • Wineries and tasting rooms
  • Bars, breweries and brew pubs (exceptions apply when serving food outdoors)
  • Movie theaters
  • Family entertainment centers (Example: bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages and arcades)
  • Zoos and museums
  • Cardrooms
  • Personal care services, like  body waxing, skin care

Additionally, the following sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities are not permitted to operate anywhere in the State of California at this time:

  • Indoor playgrounds (bounce centers, ball pits and laser tag etc.)
  • Live theater
  • Saunas and steam rooms
  • Nightclubs
  • Concert venues
  • Festivals
  • Theme parks
  • Higher Education
  • Tattoo parlors, electrolysis services, piercing services

Self Certification Process

The ability for the County to open up safely depends upon the responsible conduct of all of our local businesses, which engagement and cooperation will help the County make the case for expanding more quickly to future phases of reopening as permitted by the State. Even a single business can stall the County from further reopening and possibly cause the County to revert backwards to more restrictive shelter-in-place orders.

High Risk Sectors

Higher risk businesses must upload their plan to this portal. If you don’t yet have a plan, select your industry-specific Health and Safety Form to create one. Your plan may follow any format so long as it addresses the key sector-specific questions.

Campgrounds, RV Parks, Outdoor Recreation

Funeral Services

Gyms and Fitness Facilities

Hair Salons and Barber Shops

Movie Theaters and Family Entertainment Centers

Personal Care Services

Places of Worship

Tasting Rooms and Bars

Therapeutic Services

Transient Lodging (Including Vacation Rentals)

Zoos, Museums, Galleries, and Aquariums

Moderate Risk Sectors

Agriculture and Livestock

Automobile Dealerships

Child Care Facilities and Day Camps

Construction

Manufacturing

Office Spaces

Restaurants

Retail

Business Self Certification

Fill out and submit the following form. Or you may print out a physical copy of the form here, and mail the completed certification form (with any required attachments) to: County of Mendocino Environmental Health, 860 N. Bush Street, Ukiah, CA 95482.

Step 1 of 4

Further Resources