Due to a new stay-at-home order set to take effect Sunday evening, the city of Riverside announced it was suspending a program that allowed some businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions to operate in outdoor spaces.
The Temporary Outdoor Flex Space Permit Program was set up to help restaurants, retail and service businesses stay open during the pandemic and make use of extra space on streets and sidewalks.
But with the state-mandated “regional stay-at-home” order going into effect at 11:59 p.m. Sunday across Southern California, city officials said businesses must cease their outdoor operations at that time, with the exception of places of worship.
They said restaurants can continue to offer take-away, pick-up and delivery services.
The stay-at-home order was triggered when intensive-care unit bed availability remained below 15% after Saturday’s daily update, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Both the stay-at-home order and the suspension of the Flex Space program will be in effect for at least three weeks.
Anyone with questions about the Flex Space program can contact Project Assistant Jessica Hernandez at JHernandez@riversideca.gov or at 951-826-2427.
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