Napa County rolls back reopening of indoor wineries, tasting rooms, other venues due to spike in COVID-19 cases
NAPA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- COVID-19 regulations have changed again in Napa now that the county has seen a 44% increase in cases in the past two weeks. Restaurants that were allowed to have diners inside must now serve them outside again. Tasting rooms can no longer have people inside.
"It is a turning on the dime, it is a COVID world. You have to adjust and readjust and rethink to be able to figure out the new protocol and that's the name of the game," said Mauro Pando, the chef and owner of restaurant Grace's Table, located at Franklin and Second Streets.
His restaurant doesn't have a patio, so his sidewalk is now full of tables. The antique store owner across the street has also offered her sidewalk space if he needs it.
RELATED: Napa County braces for second wave of coronavirus restrictions, added back on state's watch list
"Our neighbors have been so kind to say you can take some of my storefront. So we have the ability to put the same number of tables outside that we had inside," Pando said.
It's a logistical challenge for some restaurants, but many diners say they prefer eating outside during these times.
"I've decided exclusively to sit outside regardless the regulations because I find that's a better choice. All the studies are showing that the virus circulates inside. Common sense tells me that's the case," said John Zemko as he finished his breakfast at Grace's Table.
These new restrictions are in place for three weeks. But the state could decide to extend them if necessary, based on how the cases look on July 30th when this is set to expire.
Here's a full list of the businesses ordered to close from July 9 until at least July 30:
- All brewpubs, breweries, bars and pubs, both indoor and -outdoor services
- Indoor dining at restaurants
- Indoor wineries and tasting rooms
- Indoor family entertainment centers
- Indoor movie theater
- Indoor cardrooms
"With the exception of brewpubs, breweries, bars and pubs, outdoor operations for the above businesses are allowed," according to Napa County's website.
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