Golfers get the OK from health officer in Stanislaus County. Guns and arrows, too.
An amended health order released Wednesday allows people to get out and enjoy a few outdoor sports facilities, including golf courses in Stanislaus County.
County leaders promised to start reopening activities without violating the rules of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s coronavirus executive orders issued in March, which shut down sectors of business and public activities across California.
With the temperatures warming up, Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, county public health officer, amended her March 31 health order to allow residents who’ve been cooped up to play golf or use outdoor shooting and archery ranges. That’s as long as social distancing and other measures are maintained to safeguard employees and the public.
The changes take effect at 5 a.m. Friday.
Under the amended order, golfers are required to leave the course immediately after play to prevent social gathering. Calling for tee times in advance will be required. No walk-ups are allowed.
Golfers may not share a cart unless they’re members of the same household.
Seating must be removed from golf course dining areas, which may only offer grab-and-go service.
The city of Modesto’s Dryden Golf Course and Creekside course will be open starting at 7 a.m. Friday under the precautionary measures outlined by county public health, city Spokesman Thomas Reeves said.
County Counsel Thomas Boze said the amended health order also clarifies definitions and rules for essential and non-essential businesses under Newsom’s statewide order. The amendment does allow operation of automated car washes and self-wash businesses.
The order requires the car wash businesses to sanitize equipment after it’s touched by patrons or provide sanitizers for patrons to do it.
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 4:06 PM.
