The State of California is now under a shelter-in-place order (the “Order”) to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here are some guidelines to help business owners understand the Order so that business can continue operating as best it can.
Please be advised that per the California Health and Safety Code, “Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.”
The Order states that all businesses with a facility in the State, except “Essential Businesses” are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the State except “Minimum Basic Operations”.
For clarity, businesses may also continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e., working from home). All Essential Businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open. To the greatest extent feasible, essential businesses shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements, including, but not limited to, when any customers are standing in line.
Many firms are closing and having employees work remotely from home. For businesses that cannot easily conduct all of their operations remotely, it is important to quickly verify if your business fits into the definition of an “Essential Business”.
One way to qualify as an “Essential Business” is if your business provides products or services to one or more Essential Businesses. An “Essential Business” still is under new duties in the order (such as social distancing) but employees do not have to stop working or work remotely.
A common-sense source of information on the Coronavirus and how it affects businesses like yours is the California Chamber of Commerce: https://advocacy.calchamber.com/coronavirus-covid-19/.
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If you or your business is looking for any kind of assistance in any service or product area, please contact us. Our firm has relationships with a wide range of trusted businesses and service providers that can help your business get through
this challenging time.
The information presented is not intended to be, and does not constitute, “legal advice.” Because each situation varies, and only brief summary information is provided here, you should not use this information as a basis for action unless you have independently verified with your own counsel that it applies to your particular situation.
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