Ventura, CA – To support local businesses and help ensure ongoing compliance with State and County Health orders and direction, the County of Ventura implemented a Business Ambassador program in partnership with City code enforcement partners, early in the COVID-19 response efforts. The special program has assisted businesses with navigating State and local guidance.
“Our Business Ambassador program is unique. The ambassadors check on businesses with the spirit of education to help these businesses follow the state guidance. The business community has worked so hard during this unprecedented time. They have really done a remarkable job helping to protect employees and their customers,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer.
To assure business compliance throughout the State, Governor Newsom has sent “strike teams” comprised of inspectors from Alcohol Beverage Control, Division of Occupational Safety and Health and other state licensing entities. More than 630 businesses have been visited by the State inspectors. The State inspectors have reported that 99% of businesses in Ventura County are in compliance. Three businesses received citations for indoor dining and employees not wearing face coverings.
“Our Business Ambassadors in Environmental Health have performed more than 6,700 site visits since March 16, 2020. Our inspectors are coordinating with the State’s ABC teams to ensure compliance. We are very pleased to see this level of support from the State,” said Charles Genkel, Deputy Director of the Ventura County Resource Management Agency.
The state is taking enforcement action for the following violations: employees not wearing masks or wearing them improperly, businesses not enforcing physical distancing requirements and businesses exercising privileges indoors.
All businesses in Ventura County must register and complete the attestation form, even if they never had to close during the pandemic, at www.vcreopens.com.
They must also:
- Complete a detailed risk assessment of your business in accordance with the state guidelines.
- Complete a written worksite-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan and post it at your business.
- Implement the prevention measures identified in your worksite-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan.
- Designate an on-duty employee responsible for monitoring compliance with your plan.
- Post the COVID compliance hotline contact information on a flyer in an area where customers can easily view it.
Community members are encouraged to follow the guidance provided at businesses. Face coverings and physical distancing is required. Learn more about the State’s industry guidance at: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/.
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