Dear Business Representatives,

The past few weeks have seen record-setting COVID-19 case numbers across the country. Santa Clara County, which has been proactively enforcing strict health guidelines since the very beginning of this pandemic, is unfortunately seeing a similar trend. On Monday, November 16, the Santa Clara County Health Department reported 388 new COVID-19 cases in a single day. This rapid surge in cases requires a quick community response to make a meaningful impact in slowing the spread of the virus.

We recognize that many of us are feeling “pandemic fatigue.” Especially with the quickly approaching holiday season and the desire to gather with friends and loved ones, let us consider alternative ways to enjoy the holidays safely and help minimize the spread of COVID-19 within our community.

Effective on Tuesday November 17, Santa Clara County will move back into the Purple Tier under the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The County’s move from the Orange back to the most restrictive Purple Tier is meant to curb the steeply increasing rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations seen in recent weeks. The Purple Tier restrictions focus on reducing indoor gathering densities and will include: 

• Indoor dining: no longer allowed (takeout and delivery ok)

• Outdoor dining: allowed with modifications

• Gyms and fitness centers: outdoor only with modifications

• General retail: 25% indoor capacity

• Indoor shopping malls: 25% capacity (closed common areas and food courts)

• Grocery stores: 50% capacity

• Hair salons and personal care services: allowed indoors with modifications

• Pools: outdoor only with modifications

• Family entertainment centers (ex: movie theaters, bowling alleys): outdoor only

• Cardrooms: must close indoor operations

• Wineries: must close indoor operations

• Outdoor bars, breweries, and distilleries: must close, unless they provide meals in which case outdoor only with modifications

• Indoor museums: must close

• Places of worship: Outdoor only with modifications

The Santa Clara County Public Health website provides more details on this public health order and capacity limitations.

For small business tenants who qualify for protection under the County’s Ordinance, the eviction moratorium has been extended through March 31, 2021. Small business tenants have up to 6 months after the moratorium expires or terminates to repay at least 50% of the past-due rent, and up to 12 months after the moratorium expires or terminates to repay in full the past-due rent. Civil fines and penalties, monetary damages and injunctive relief may be imposed on landlords who seek to retaliate or deny small business tenants of their rights and protections under the ordinance. Small business representatives can view this page for eligibility requirements, necessary paperwork to show substantial loss of income or out-of-pocket for medical expenses due to COVID-19, and more information.

The County of Santa Clara has created a business engagement landing page on its COVID-19 website with valuable resources and information. Information can be found here or by calling the new COVID-19 Business Call Center at (408) 961-5500.

If you have any questions or need business assistance during COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Economic Development team by sending an email. Assistance is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and other languages. We will continue to send out pertinent updates as they are made available to keep you informed.

Economic Development Director

Phone: (408) 586-3046

Email: [email protected]

455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas CA 95035