The California Department of Public Health announced on Jan. 25, that the state would be returning to the purple tier, where there is growing access to outdoor activities and business reopenings. With mixed opinions surrounding this decision, there are many perspectives to hear from at this state of the new county status. However, the first round of federal relief for small businesses was announced by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office on Feb. 4, and this financial support could possibly aid businesses and customers alike in upholding proper safety measures. 

The Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Dee Dee Myers said, “This grant program offers needed help for these entrepreneurs as they continue to fight for their dreams, rebuilding and adapting to this quickly changing marketplace.” The increased safety measures come with an extra cost and many are glad to finally see some relief after this dark period. These extra costs include money for sanitation supplies, face coverings for employees, possibly gloves, etc. Last summer, Wall Street Journal discussed large corporations spending millions of extra dollars for their employees’ safety gear and bonuses throughout the tough period.  This should not only help businesses keep their customers safer, but also allow people to shop again at a limited capacity. 

Julissa Munoz, a senior at Sonoma State explained,  “So coming from a person with a family who owns a small business I feel that reopening in a safe way is crucial to keep people employed and business’ running.” Small businesses have faced economic turmoil and should have some say in their ability to reopen safely since federal relief is not widespread at this point. Julissa continued, “There have been so many local companies that have lost their passion projects due to the COVID-19 closures and I feel that as long as people are being safe then it shouldn’t be any issue with reopening. That being said I do think that the county has to enforce the guidelines to ensure public safety and adherence.” If all procedures are being clearly followed and respected,  I agree that there should not be an issue with allowing businesses to reopen in a smaller capacity. The integrity of health should not have to be manipulated for profit, and grants like these allow for businesses to prioritize the safety of themselves and their customers. 

Political Science Professor Gin said, “My own thoughts are that I understand why the shelter-in-place order occurred after the winter holidays. There was a spike in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. This spike has begun to subside, so I can also understand the recent easing of some of the shelter-in-place orders. Nevertheless, I do understand that many people are suffering from pandemic fatigue, and the shifting policies seem confusing, and probably contribute to greater discontent with the government, especially when the shelter-in-place orders have taken place without adequate economic support for people and small businesses.” There is tangible frustration in the community surrounding mixed messages and the constant changes in regulations. From all sides, there is anxiety concerning the economy, especially because very few businesses have been able to grow throughout this pandemic. However, because of constant regulation changes, people must remain reactive and flexible with guidelines in order to avoid risk. 

Ultimately, the decision to lift the order being followed by the governor’s announcement gives some hope to the community that businesses may be able to navigate this new normal safely and effectively in order to serve their respective communities. There are many people in a range of areas, from healthcare to restaurants, all working to create innovative solutions during this time, and only time will tell regarding the future of this order and its anticipated changes as information comes out.