Businesses reopen in Imperial

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-Several businesses reopen in Imperial following the City of Imperial's decision to deem all essential companies and allow them to resume.

13 On Your Side's Alexandra Rangel spoke to one business owner that never closed down, saying bills needed to be paid for, and her business was essential to their livelihoods.

Other business owners, declined interviews from fear that the county would retaliate.

Last Friday, the Imperial County stated in a press release that businesses that reopened and went against the county health order would be regulated.

“There needs to be understanding that licenses and permits may be revoked by state or local health officials if operations don't follow existing state or local health orders or standards," said Jeanette Angulo, ICPHD.

The city of Imperial advised business owners that they could face county repercussions if they reopened, but as for Imperial, they said they will not be enforcing the county and state health order that prohibits businesses to operate.

We spoke to several retail businesses that are open against the health order, saying their business is essential for them and their livelihoods.

One business we spoke to says she only gets about a dozen customers a day. Each customer is required to wear a mask and she is taking extra cleaning measures at her store. She says her customers are safer at her store than at walmart.

The health department warns that Imperial’s actions could lead to increased COVID-19 transmission.