BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Public Health Department announced the cancellation of the emergency order, which was established on April 2 for Kern County residents.
The decision went into effect on May 2 at 6:30 p.m.
On Saturday around 7:30 p.m., the Kern County Public Health Department announced the change through a statement.
The emergency order had supported Governor Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order.
The document shares that the Health Department has been pleased with the cooperation of the local business community.
In part, the statement reads “over the past several weeks, Kern County Public Health has been working with local businesses to provide education and resources during the governor’s stay-at-home order.”
It further explains its decision to revoke the order.
The reasoning, according to the statement, is based on the governor's remarks made on Friday, during his daily COVID-19 briefing.
The governor stated that he was close to making adjustments to the statewide order.
"I can only say this, we are getting close to making some announcements that I think will be very meaningful to people in retail and hospitality, again with serious modifications," Newsom said.
Public health is asking the public to continue to abide by Newsom's shelter-in-place order, until he announces new changes.
A Board of Supervisor's staffer tells 23ABC, that the supervisors and county staff were caught off guard by this decision.
Kern County Public Health's statement says "they are looking forward to working with the Kern County Board of Supervisor’s newly established ad hoc committee as we implement our plan to safely re-open local businesses."
Shannon Grove, Senate Republican Leader, released a statement regarding the announcement.
“Tonight’s action is a first step to allow families to get out more while still practicing proper physical distancing and is also a critical step to ensure that our local businesses can gradually start to resume operations again," Grove said in a statement. "This is a responsible way to move forward as county leaders and public health officials will be working with local businesses to ensure proper protocols are in place."
Public Health's memo further explains their ultimate goal.
"We want businesses to open safely and responsibly and as quickly as possible when the Governor lifts or modifies his orders. "
More information is expected to be released on Monday and the Board of Supervisors are scheduled to discuss the matter on Tuesday.
