Ventura County gets state OK for more reopenings, including dine-in restaurant service

Ventura County says it has been approved by the state for accelerated reopening, including allowing restaurants to hold modified dine-in service.

County officials say they are the first in Southern California to get the approval. The approval also means retail stores and shopping centers can reopen, according to the county.

Ventura County has reported more than 830 cases of coronavirus since the pandemic began, with 28 deaths. An estimated 542 cases have recovered. There have been more than 17,000 tests performed in the county.

The county had already allowed many businesses to operate with curbside service under Stage 2 of the state's reopening plan.

But the state also allows counties to apply individually for a variance to enter what is described as an accelerated Stage 2.

"The more that businesses can thrive over the next few weeks, the more employees they can bring back to work, which will help our economy" said Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin.

To be approved, those counties must meet certain criteria, including stable or declining rates for hospitalization and coronavirus tests. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors determined that the county met those goals and on Tuesday approved a request for a variance. The state granted the request on Wednesday.

Ventura County businesses that are looking to reopen are asked to visit the county website to register for reopening.