Coronavirus Update: Placer County Amends Health Order To Reopen Golf Courses, Dog Parks
PLACER COUNTY (CBS13) — People are looking for signs that life might go back to normal, and on Thursday night, Placer County gave a glimmer of hope.
The health department is easing restrictions on outdoor activities that were banned in the county public health order.
Residents are still ordered to stay home except to perform essential activities, but the amended order allows some outdoor activities and businesses to resume if physical distancing guidelines are followed. Currently, the order is set to be in effect until May 1.
Golf is one of the outdoor activities that is now permitted in Placer County under the amended order. Previously, Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson ordered all golf courses, tennis pickleball, basketball, and volleyball courts, shooting and archery ranges, and disc golf courses to close.
READ: Sacramento County Golf Courses Remain Open, Packed With People
Now the golf courses and outdoor shooting and archery ranges can be open if they follow specific guidelines. Disc Golf courses can also stay open, but players may not make contact with the baskets. Additionally, tennis, pickleball, basketball,
and volleyball courts can only be used by members of the same household.
David Hueffneier is a fan of golf, but he's not sure if he'd go to the courses when they reopen. If the county considers reopening anything else, he hopes they do so carefully.
"They need to be wise decisions. I would say so. So it shouldn't be overreacting now and opening up everything but should be done step by step," he said.
Dog owners are also allowed to bring their furry friends back to the dog parks, but all seating areas will be closed down and hand sanitizer is required at entrances and exits. Owners are also required to bring their own water and waste bags.
The last major amendment applies to landscapers and gardeners who were prohibited from routine lawn mowing and cosmetic care in the previous order. If they follow physical distancing practices and clean shared equipment, they are allowed to resume cosmetic lawn care. Additionally, crew members must travel in separate vehicles unless they live in the same household.
The amended order goes into effect at midnight Thursday.