BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County health officer has revoked public health’s emergency order Saturday evening, according to the Kern County Public Health Services Department.
The order was passed on April 2, which expanded the powers of county health officer Kirstopher Lyon, to assist shelter-in-place orders instituted by governor Gavin Newsom.
“Over the past several weeks, Kern County Public Health has been working with local businesses to provide education and resources during the Governor’s stay at home order. We have responded to complaints from our residents and have been pleased with the cooperation from our local business community.”
The decision to end the order follows Newsom’s announcement Saturday, that the state is “days, not weeks,” away from changes to the stay-at-home orders, according to public health.
“In anticipation of the Governor’s transition of re-opening the economy, we want the county to be positioned so we can quickly maximize our local response and clear the way for the changes ahead,” a public health press release said.
“We want businesses to open safely and responsibly and as quickly as possible when the Governor lifts or modifies his orders.”
The release states that public health will collaborate with Kern County Board of Supervisor’s new committee, which aims towards safely re-opening local businesses.
Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove of Bakersfield praises Lyon’s decision to revoke the order.
“Tonight’s action is a first step to allow families to get out more while still practicing proper physical distancing and is also a critical step to ensure that our local businesses can gradually start to resume operations again,” Grove said in a statement sent to 23ABC News.
For now, public health is asking the public to abide by Newsom’s shelter-in-place order, until he announces changes to the order.
Health officials are not expected to provide any other details until Monday.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
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