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Imperial Declares All Businesses Essential

Details: Written by Carroll Buckley; Published: 22 August 2020

The City of Imperial has declared all businesses within the city essential. In defiance of the State of California and County Imperial the Imperial City Council made the declaration in a special meeting Friday. The resolution is effective immediately. Mayor Darrell Pechtl stated that the City's action does not protect the businesses that choose to reopen from County or State actions but it means the City will not interfere with their business. Pechtl said , Businesses who choose to open are required to follow industrial guidance issued by the CDC and California Department of Health." Chief of Police Leonard Barra said , " The Imperial Police Department will continue to educate our businesses to adhere to local and state health orders. We have no interest in criminalizing our businesses , but want to make sure everyone is following the guidelines."

Imperial County released a statement Friday evening saying that the County sympathies and understands the hardship many small and independent businesses and their employees have endured over the past 5 months as a result of the restrictions due to COVID-19. However , it is important to remember both State and County of Imperial Health orders remain in effect. As an arm of the state , the says they are obligated to enforce the laws and regulations set by the State of California , including health orders established by the local Public Health Officer. Enforcing these laws is a duty and responsibility of all local governments to ensure the health and safety of its residents and constituents.

Imperial County Public Health Department's Division of Environmental Health that regulates a number of businesses within Imperial County and several state agencies regulate many businesses as well.