Merced County will have 21 days to improve its COVID 19 cases. If COVID-19 cases continue, harsher restrictions will follow.

“The State has made it very clear that should the cases continue to increase without change over the next 21-day period, they may have to intervene or require that the County return to sheltering in place. We have worked so hard for the past several months in keeping numbers low. This is clearly not the case and while the Department does its part, it will be depending on residents in the community to do theirs,” said Dr. Rebecca Nanyonjo-Kemp, Merced County’s Public Health Director. 

Due to the increased levels of transmission and hospitalizations, local health officials are working closely with CDPH and State officials to establish and implement steps to mitigate spread. At the direction of the Governor, Merced County Health Officials are mandating the closure of higher risk. 

By Friday, July 3, 2020. All bars, brew pubs and breweries must cease operations (indoor and outdoor). In addition, the following business sectors must close all indoor operations: 

  • Restaurants (socially-distanced outdoor dining still permissible) 
  • Wineries and Tasting Rooms 
  • Family Entertainment Centers (e.g., bowling, movie theaters, etc.) 
  • Zoos and Museums 
  • Cardrooms 

The above sectors will remain impacted for a minimum of 21 days, or until the County data monitored by CDPH improves. The ability of Merced County to reopen these sectors and prevent closure of other sectors is dependent on collective community action to reduce spread.