COVID-19 - Order of the Health Officer Update - 03-28-2020

Dear Food Facility Operator,

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is sharing an update by the County’s Public Health Services regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the San Diego region. Attached is an amended Order of the Health Officer, effective March 29, 2020. The amended Order continues all restrictions placed on food facilities and changes the expiration date to “until further notice”. A copy of the amended Order is attached to this email and can be found on the County’s COVID-19 webpage.

 

We recognize these are challenging times, and we understand how impactful the COVID-19 pandemic has been for our local restaurants, bars and food facilities. We are saddened that some of you have had to close your doors, lay off team members or scale back your operations. For those of you who are finding new and modified ways to operate within the restrictions, the Department of Environmental Health is available to provide assistance.

 

Over the past weeks our inspectors have been reaching out to you via phone and email to communicate information, provide disinfection guidance, and guidance on how to ensure social distancing. Many of you have been contacting us with questions about how to modify your operations to a take-out model, changes in equipment or menu items, or best practices for ensuring public social distancing when picking up food. We are here to help you.

 

Protecting public health is an essential function. Starting next week, we will have some team members going out into the field to assist with providing guidance, support, and monitoring compliance, as you operate in these new conditions. If your facility has an immediate need for food safety guidance, please contact DEH and your site visit will be prioritized.

 

We appreciate your continued commitment to food safety and protecting public health. If you have questions regarding this information or your food operation, please contact DEH’s duty information specialist at (858) 505-6900 or email at fhdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

 

For updated information about COVID-19, including resource documents such as frequently asked questions, informational posters, and guidance, please visit www.coronavirus-sd.com. 

 

 

Sincerely,

Department of Environmental Health

Food and Housing Division

 

• Health Officer Order 03-28-2020.pdf