Dear Chamber Member:
Public health officials in California report that the numbers of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations are rising. After several weeks without any coronavirus patients in-house, CHOMP now reports hospitalized patients again. Sadly, we are going in the wrong direction.
Who’s getting blamed? Business owners and their employees are recognized to be generally complying with requirements. But many customers are unwilling to wear masks and maintain six feet of distance from each other, particularly in restaurants and small retail stores.
Our resources at the state and local levels are warning that stay-at-home public health orders may tighten up next week if compliance does not improve. This may mean further restrictions.
YOUR ROLE AS A BUSINESS
At the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, we want to maintain a balanced, middle ground between opening everything up with minimal restrictions and closing non-essential businesses until there is a vaccine. This means criticism from both sides. Our goal is to minimize sickness and deaths while allowing commerce to continue under prudent safety restrictions.
How can you help as a business? You MUST require your customers to strictly follow government requirements during this pandemic.
ASK CUSTOMERS TO LEAVE YOUR BUSINESS OR JOB SITE IF THEY WON’T WEAR MASKS AND/OR CHOOSE TO IGNORE SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES.
We play a pivotal role in our community as business leaders, and many fellow members and businesses may be adversely impacted without more widespread compliance.
THE CHAMBER RELIES ON YOU, BUT WE CAN HELP
Please contact your Chamber if you need any of these:
- Guidance on how your business can comply with public health orders.
- Personal protection equipment (PPE) or cleaning supplies.
- Financial assistance to keep your business alive.
- Contact information for your local elected officials.
- Advice on dealing with customers who refuse to comply with public health protocols.
Let's continue to be active in our efforts to flatten the curve.
