County Administration Center in San Diego. Photo: Gina Yarbrough/San Diego County News

SAN DIEGO–The County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved two measures intended to allow the region to accelerate the reopening of the local economy.

Under the first, the county will submit a plan to the governor’s office that, if approved, would move San Diego further into Stage 2 of the California Resiliency Roadmap in the coming days.

Under the proposal, in-person dining at restaurants and retail shopping would be allowed, as long as businesses enact social distancing measures and follow various restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“Based on the current readiness criteria, San Diego County is ready to move to the Accelerated Stage 2 of the state’s plan,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, County public health officer. “The County has made great progress in the fight against COVID-19 and it is now safe for certain businesses to resume operations if they can implement safety measures outlined by the County and State.”

The board also approved proposing a pilot program that would allow a select number of businesses from Stage 3 to gradually reopen ahead of the schedule outlined by the state.

You can see the page and learn more about the pilot program that includes outdoor religious services, research labs, hair and nail salons, fitness facilities, youth sports and clubs and pools at apartment complexes. The pilot program would also allow therapeutic and peer support groups to offer sessions, but with group size limited to 12 people or fewer.

The California Department of Public Health and the Governor’s Office also will have to approve the county’s pilot program proposals before businesses from these sectors can begin to reopen.