Retail stores and places of worship get the green light to reopen

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY), California is loosening restrictions for reopening its economy.

Imperial County is still in phase two low risk, but with new guidelines from the state, retail stores including shopping centers will be able to reopen with social distancing measures in place.

This does not include places that provide a service like nail salons and barbershops.

As for places of worship, church services will be looking different. The county says no handshaking or singing will be permitted.

Churches will also only be able to fill up 25% capacity of their building or have a maximum of 100 attendees.

“We now have published studies that have shown signing can transmit disease. Several large outbreaks have been associated with this including some deaths," said Dr. Stephen Munday, Imperial County health officer.

One reverend says he’s happy about moving one step further to reopening, but says the capacity limit is impossible for his congregation.

“I have four thousand regular mass attenders on the weekends. What will I do with a capacity of 100. Do forty masses on the weekend, not possible," said Reverend Mark Edney, El Centro Catholic.

Reverend Mark says the San Diego and Imperial County Diocese has decided to reopen their churches until June 13th. Their hoping restrictions will be different by then.

According to the county they do not have the authority to make restrictions less strict than what the state recommends.

This new order will be reevaluated in 21 days to see the health impact of reopening churches and stores.

The Imperial County Public Health Department wants to remind residents that wearing facing coverings in public is mandatory.