Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you are feeling sick, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you have deemed that you have an actual emergency. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any health care provider, including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical and scientific research facilities, laboratories, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, veterinary care providers, mental health providers, physical therapists and chiropractors, cannabis dispensaries with medicinal permits, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services, manufacturers and suppliers. Health care providers do not include exercise gyms and similar facilities.

To the extent possible, all health care visits that are not cancelled or rescheduled should be done remotely.

If you are feeling sick, please first call your primary care doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center before going to the hospital. Check online resources like the CDC website if you are worried that you or a loved one has the COVID-19 virus. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you have deemed that you have an actual emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

If possible, walk or drive yourself to the hospital or medical provider. If someone else in your home is sick and can drop you off, that is another good option. If you have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like a surgical mask or N-95 mask, you can wear that to prevent exposing others. If you don’t have that, you could use a temporary method such as wrapping a clean scarf around your mouth and nose to try to reduce droplets when you cough and sneeze. Although this is not an approved method, it is something you can do to avoid exposing others.

Yes. Be sure that you protect them and you by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.

Yes you can visit your loved one at a Long Term Care Facility. View the guidance here. Visitations to Skilled Nursing Facilities are not yet allowed by the state.

You are permitted to provide care or to help with getting supplies for loved ones. But don’t provide care or pick up supplies if you are sick and someone else can do it. If you are sick, please try to self-isolate or take other steps not to expose anyone else to your illness.

Yes, they can take place. All participants must be socially distanced and wear masks.

1. Groups sizes are limited to a 14-1 ratio for each group (14 campers with one instructor).
2. Each group must be stable. The same campers and instructor stay together and do not mix with other groups, including from day to day.
3. Any camp activity must maintain 6-foot social distancing. Individual skills and drills can be done, but no group or contact sports such as a football or basketball games may be played.

Non accredited art schools that perform after school youth and adult programs can operate under the Day Camps and Cohorts guidance. The business must register to be open at www.VCreopens.com.

Currently (Tier 1), post-secondary art schools must remain closed for indoor lectures and student gatherings. Some courses conducted in certain indoor settings, like labs and studio arts, may be open. Post-secondary art schools must follow the state guidance for Higher Education and register to be open at www.VCreopens.com under the Educational Services category.

Click here to learn more about talking to your child about COVID-19.

Childcare facilities may only operate if they comply with the conditions of this Order as they related to child care. Among these conditions, children must be cared for in groups of 12 or fewer, groups of children may not mix with each other, and providers may not circulate between groups.

Yes.

Yes, school waiver applications are being accepted at this time for TK to 6th grade. View Public Health News Release

Yes, childcare is allowed. Childcare must follow the state issued childcare guidance. Childcare can be offered on school sites.

The state issued guidance for colleges and college sports on August 7 at the following link here.

These businesses can only operate outdoors at this time. In addition, these businesses must comply with the following local requirements:

1. only members of the same household may sit together at a single table
2. there is no limit on dining time
3. establishments must be closed to the public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

No, wineries can only operate outdoors.

Churches can operate outdoors or virtually in the purple tier. Outdoor services require social distancing and masks. Churches are encouraged to operate virtually in the purple tier to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Yes, they can be open outdoors. Indoor operations must be closed in the purple tier. 12 foot social distancing and masks are required outside.

• Can be open for outdoor operations following state issued guidance.

• Can be open for outdoor operations following state guidance.

Gyms, Fitness Facilities, martial arts studios, yoga studios, Pilates studios, dance studios and similar facilities are allowed to operate outdoors following the Gyms and Fitness Center Guidance. 12 ft social distancing and masks are required in Ventura County.

Nail salons are allowed to be open indoors in the purple tier.

Hair salons are allowed to be open indoors in the purple tier.

Yes, eyelash extensions can be performed indoors under the Personal Services Guidance.

Yes, skin care can take place indoors following personal services guidance. There is no time limit for personal services, confined space is permitted, the customer will not need to wear a mask when the service provider is wearing both a mask and face shield (for eye protection) when providing services on the face (per State Guidelines).

Yes, massage is permitted indoors following the Personal Services Guidance.

Yes, they can be open indoors following personal care services guidance in the Purple Tier.

Businesses and organizations offering indoor physical activities such as yoga, dance studios, martial arts and other similar activities must follow the Gyms and Fitness Center Guidance. These businesses cannot follow Day Camp Guidance.

Yes, karaoke is allowed as long as it follows the Live Entertainment guidance (below in bullets) in addition to using disposable microphone covers, sanitizing the microphone after each user, and use a no-touch digital songbook.

• Solo or duet (from same household) singers/musicians can perform outdoors at restaurants, bars, or wineries.
• The soloist/duet must stay at least 20 feet away from patrons and not amplify the music to the point where people have to lean in to be heard.
• The live music cannot cause people to gather. It should be for the benefit of the business patrons who are already seated and not to attract people to gather around the performers and/or stage.
• All other local and state guidance must be followed.

Yes, Garage Sales and Swap Meets (following State Guidance) are now allowed.

Yes, private and public RV parks can be open at full capacity following state issued guidance.

Live music is allowed outdoors with the following modifications:

• Live solo or duet (from same household) singers/musicians can perform outdoors at restaurants, bars, or wineries.
• The soloist/duet must stay at least 20 feet away from patrons and not amplify the music to the point where people have to lean in to be heard.
• The live music cannot cause people to gather. It should be for the benefit of the business patrons who are already seated and not to attract people to gather around the performers and/or stage.
• All other local and state guidance must be followed.

Can I go swimming?

Yes, public pools and pools managed by HOA can be open. They must follow the following guidance:

• Public Pools
• HOA Pools

Are one-on-one swim lessons allowed?

One-on-one drowning prevention lessons are allowed for students of any age by Certified Swim Instructors only, provided necessary health and safety protocols are in place.

Can HOA pools be open?

Yes, they must follow the following guidance: (Click here for guidance).

Can Public Pools be open?

They must follow the following guidance: (Click here for guidance).

Public Pools

• Limited to 50% capacity
• Use a reservation system
• Follow County of Ventura Environmental Health guidance for pools

Yes, tanning salons can be open following the limited services guidance.

Yes, salons and barbershops can operate indoors following the state issued guidance.

Click here to learn more about safely reopening.

Please review the Business Guidance documents:

• What to do if an employee has COVID-19
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Businesses

• Persons seeking signatures on voter initiatives or referenda, those campaigning for elected office and their campaign workers and census workers may engage with resident’s door-to-door, but must wear a mask, should maintain a 6-foot distance from residents whenever possible and should disinfect equipment, pens, clipboard, touch pads, shared materials and/or mobile terminals after each interaction.
• All other solicitors can leave materials such as doorhangers or flyers at the doorstep, but cannot ring the doorbell, knock on the door or otherwise attempt to engage with residents.

No. Gatherings are not permitted. Private social clubs that are not otherwise open as a restaurant must be closed.

1. Outdoor wedding ceremonies may be performed with up to 100 persons present who can be safely physically distanced or a lesser number up to what the venue can safely support.
2. No indoor weddings are allowed at this time.
3. No reception or party permitted.

• Short-term rentals do not need to register at VCReopens.com. Attestation is included through permit issuance.

• No. Hotels need to follow the state issued guidance, and rooms do not need to be left vacant for 24 hours after a guest has departed.

Bars, restaurants, barbershop, salons, gym, and personal care services operating outdoors can keep the restrooms open for client use. Clients must wear face coverings while indoors and only use restroom, no other services.

Yes.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should follow the guidance for office workspaces: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-office-workspaces--en.pdf. More information can be found at https://www.venturacountyfilm.com/permit/.

You should still try to maintain a least six feet between you and others. When that isn’t possible for short periods, do your best to keep the duration short. Be sure when you are in line that you don’t sneeze or cough onto people. If needed, cough or sneeze into your shirt or into an elbow with clothing on.

Schools, soup kitchens, food banks, and other entities that provide free or reduced priced food goods or meals to students or other members of the public are encouraged to continue providing these services. However, food provided by these establishments to the public may not be eaten on the premises but must instead be delivered or taken away for consumption.

No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items whenever you need them, as stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Please continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally do. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone.

Yes. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, water retailers, produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and similar food retail establishments are encouraged to remain open to provide food and pet supplies to the public. When visiting these establishments, please help retailers maintain at least six feet minimum distance between patrons, including by providing ample space while shopping and waiting in line.

To either continue or resume operation, the non-profit must complete the Business Attestation process online at https://www.vcemergency.com/business-attestation, utilizing the Workplace Type “Non-Profit.”

Yes.

Yes. Please call first to determine if there are any restrictions in place.

Yes.

Yes, but avoid unnecessary trips.

Bicycle stores can remain open. This includes the sales of bicycles, parts and supplies as well as the repair of bicycles. Bicycle rentals are allowed.

Yes. Because cannabis may be used for medicinal purposes, cannabis stores qualify as a “Healthcare Operation” under the broad definition of that term in the current health officer order and therefore are allowed to continue to operate, subject to the restrictions generally applicable to all Essential Businesses under the current health officer order and all otherwise applicable laws.

To report a business operating in violation of this order, you may call the COVID Business Compliance line at 805-202-1805 or email CovidCompliance@ventura.org.

Florists are now permitted to operate under the guidelines of the Stay Well VC Order.

Yes, dog groomers are permitted to operate. They must register and follow the guidelines at www.vcreopens.com

Yes. With the elimination of the essential business model in the local health order, and reliance on the State health order model for critical infrastructure, the Sheriff and local health officer have determined that the gun stores may fully open to the public provided they implement and register site-specific prevention plans as described www.vcreopens.com. 

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, outdoor skateparks can open with modifications in all tiers and should follow the playground guidance.

Outdoor playgrounds operated by a city, state, county, or federal government are permitted to be open as of 9/28/20. The County of Ventura is in line with the guidance that has been provided by the State. Information about the guidelines can be accessed by visiting the State website (click here).

Below is a list of some outdoor recreational activities.

• Badminton (singles)
• Throwing a baseball/softball
• BMX biking
• Canoeing (singles)
• Crabbing
• Cycling
• Exploring rock pools
• Gardening (not in groups)
• Golfing (doubles, only if cart has protective partition)
• Hiking (trails/ paths allowing distancing)
• Horse riding (singles)
• Jogging and running
• Kite boarding and kitesurfing
• Meditation
• Outdoor photography
• Picnics (with your household members only)
• Quad biking
• Rock climbing
• Roller skating and rollerblading
• Rowing (singles)
• Scootering (not in groups)
• Skateboarding (not in groups)
• Soft martial arts – tai chi, chi kung (not in groups)
• Surfing
• Tennis (Click here for safety tips for playing tennis during COVID.)
• Table tennis (singles)
• Throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball (not in groups)
• Trail running
• Trampolining
• Tree climbing
• Volleyball (singles)
• Walk the dog
• Wash the car
• Watch the sunrise or sunset
• Yoga

Review the state outdoor recreation guidance at: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-campgrounds.pdf.

Yes, if they use a partition in the golf cart. Learn more here.

Yes, malls can open indoors as of August 31. They must follow the state issued sector guidance and register at www.vcreopens.com.

The California Department of Public Health has issued Youth Sports Guidance. Youth sports training, conditioning and physical education is now permitted in Ventura County when those activities include continuous physical distancing of at least six feet and a stable cohort, i.e. the same children at each meeting. Teams, classes, and other youth sports activities that involve contact, competitive or team play are not permitted.

The State guidance document may be found at COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Youth Sports.

Any team or entity conducting youth sports training must register under Youth Sports at www.vcreopens.com and follow the state issued guidance.

Please note that physical distancing must be maintained under the guidance, which precludes scrimmages, games, and team drills from being performed at this time. Further, all outdoor and indoor sporting events, assemblies, and other activities that require close contact or promote congregating are prohibited, including tournaments, events, or competitions and regardless of whether teams are from the same school or from different schools, counties, or states.

Since Ventura County is currently on the state’s monitoring list due to elevated case rates of COVID-19 all sports activities including conditioning, training and physical education must be conducted outdoors.

While youth sports conditioning and training is now allowed under certain conditions, adult, amateur (non-professional) team sports are not permitted in the state at this time. The state indicates that guidance for adult sports will be forthcoming.

What sports are allowed?
Youth sports and physical education are permitted only when the following can be maintained: (1) physical distancing of at least six feet between participants; and (2) a stable cohort, such as a class, that limits the risks of transmission (see CDC Guidance on Schools and Cohorting). Activities should take place outside to the maximum extent practicable.

What if the sport cannot be played with physical distancing and cohorting?
For sports that cannot be conducted with sufficient distancing or cohorting, only physical conditioning and training is permitted and ONLY where physical distancing can be maintained. Conditioning and training should focus on individual skill-building (e.g., running drills and body weight resistance training) and should take place outside, where practicable. Indoor physical conditioning and training is allowed only in counties where gyms and fitness centers are allowed to operate indoors.

What sports are not allowed?
Sports that cannot be played with sufficient distancing and cohorting are not permitted. In addition, outdoor and indoor sporting events, assemblies, and other activities that require close contact or that would promote congregating are not permitted at this time. For example, tournaments, events, or competitions, regardless of whether teams are from the same school or from different schools, counties, or states are not permitted at this time.

What youth sports are impacted?
This impacts all youth sports and activities, including school-based, club and recreational youth sports.

Are pre-season, conditioning programs permitted?
Sport conditioning programs are permitted for individual or team training ONLY where physical distancing of at least 6 feet can be maintained. Conditioning and training should take place outside, where practicable, and focus on individual skill-building activities such as running drills and body weight resistance training.

Can individual or team conditioning be conducted indoors?
Conditioning and training should take place outside, where practicable, and indoor sports activities should follow local guidance for gyms and fitness centers, including requirements for physical distancing, face coverings, and occupancy.

• Indoor physical conditioning is allowed only in counties where gyms and fitness centers are allowed to operate indoors.
• Consistent with guidance for gyms and fitness facilities, cloth face coverings must be worn during indoor physical conditioning and training or physical education classes (except when showering). Activities that require heavy exertion should be conducted outside in a physically distanced manner without face coverings. Activities conducted inside should be those that do not require heavy exertion and can be done with a face covering. Players should take a break from exercise if any difficulty in breathing is noted and should change their mask or face covering if it becomes wet and sticks to the player's face and obstructs breathing. Masks that restrict airflow under heavy exertion (such as N-95 masks) are not advised for exercise.

Are adult team sports allowed?

• Adult recreational team sports are not permitted at this time with guidance coming soon. The state has issued separate guidance for collegiate sports under guidance for institutions of higher education.

Yes, you can go to the store to buy food, drinks and goods for yourself, for those in your home, and for anyone else that needs help. This also includes medical supplies at a pharmacy and supplies at a hardware store.

Public transit will continue to operate on a limited basis. When using public transit, maintain at least six feet of distance from others.

Yes. All retail stores are open. However, you should minimize unnecessary trips.

Yes. The mail and other delivery services to your home can continue to function, as can food delivery services.

Yes. The Order identifies businesses that deliver goods or services directly to residences may continue to operate.

Only for essential travel. You should avoid being in a vehicle with many other people. In circumstances under which such transportation is needed, you must practice social distancing, cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands before and after rides. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers, like Uber and Lyft, providing transportation services necessary for essential activities and other purposes are expressly authorized in the “Stay Well at Home” Order.

Yes, they can be open.

Yes, beaches are open. You can sit on the beach. Bathrooms and parking are open.

No. You can only gather with members of your household at this time. You can only play a game at a park with the people that you live with.

You can only play these types of games with members of your household. You cannot play these games with those who do not live in your household.

Yes, you can play games with members of your household. You cannot play a game with people who do not live in your household.

Outdoor Photography is permitted. Outdoor photography, including professional family photos or portraits, must adhere to social distancing protocols. All subjects being photographed must be members of the same household. Indoor photography sessions including individuals not of the same household are not permitted. Commercial photo shoots must obtain a permit by the local permitting agency, such as a city. Commercial photo shoots fall under the guidelines for “Music, Film, and Television,” and must meet additional requirements which can be viewed at www.venturacountyfilm.com.