Imperial County begins planning to re-open economy

Leaders say public health will remain the priority

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Imperial County announced Wednesday it is beginning to plan to re-open the local economy.

County leaders say they will coordinate with the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) as they move forward. They say the want to take a "thoughtful approach."

As a first step county officials, the Board of Supervisors and representatives from ICPHD have formed a panel to focus on how to gradually re-open both public and private sectors of the community. The leaders say they want to ease restrictions, and allow businesses to re-open, but they don't want to compromise public health in the process. That's why all their decisions will be based on scientific data.

Officials say they want to make sure the county has moved past the peak of the pandemic before they proceed. They plan to reinforce protective measures, including stay-at-home orders and business closures, until the threat of a second wave of cases has passed.

However, county leaders are considering opening its outdoor recreation areas, such as parks and golf courses, with limited access. They expect to make a decision on park access by the end of the week.

County officials also say they hope to release more details on their re-opening strategy next week.

Stay with KYMA.com, News 11, and CBS 13 for continuing coverage of this developing story.