New shelter-in-place order loosens some restrictions in most of Bay Area

A pedestrian walks by graffiti encouraging the wearing of masks on April 20, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area have announced that people must wear masks when in public or at the workplace in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less A pedestrian walks by graffiti encouraging the wearing of masks on April 20, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area have announced that people must wear masks when in public ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Image 1 of / 74 Caption Close New shelter-in-place order loosens some restrictions in most of Bay Area 1 / 74 Back to Gallery

The revised shelter-in-place order that will be in effect in most of the San Francisco Bay Area will allow for the return of some outdoor activities.

On Wednesday, health officials across six Bay Area counties — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara — announced the new order will take effect May 4 and will be in place through May 31.

"All construction activities, certain businesses that operate primarily outdoors, and some outdoor activities will be allowed to resume with specific conditions," the order reads. "Under the new orders, all construction projects will be allowed to resume as long as the project complies with safety protocols included with the order. All real estate transactions will also now be able to resume, but with continued restrictions on open houses and limitations on in-person viewings. Any employee allowed to return to work at a facility can also access childcare programs that can operate."

More specifics were provided:

"Certain outdoor businesses can also begin operating again, and people can visit those businesses to perform work or obtain goods, services, or supplies. This includes wholesale and retail nurseries, landscapers, gardeners, and other businesses that primarily provide outdoor services as set forth in the order. Outdoor businesses do not include restaurants, cafes or bars, regardless of whether they have outdoor seating. Other activities that can resume under the new order include residential moves and the use of certain shared outdoor recreational facilities that were previously ordered closed, like skate parks, but not others that involve shared equipment or physical contact."

Before the order went out, the Bay Area News Group reported that golf and tennis will now be permitted, as will groups of 12 or fewer children for "recreational or educational purposes." Santa Clara County officials later confirmed during a press conference these activities could restart.

However, outdoor recreational areas and activities "with high-touch equipment or that encourage gathering" such as team sports, pools, playgrounds and picnic areas will not be permitted to return at this time.

The release states that the guidelines are "generally consistent with the state’s shelter in place order," but "on any issue where the local and state orders may differ, the stricter order applies." Golf courses are currently closed by the state order, but Governor Gavin Newsom said Wednesday the Bay Area's revisions are "broadly consistent" with the state order. He cited only the gathering of children in groups of 12 or fewer as a "point of clarification" between state and local officials.

Newsom stated Tuesday the state was "weeks, not months away" from the next phase of its reopening. The phase allows for schools, summer programs, childcare facilities and low-risk businesses to reopen with adaptations and modifications to promote social distancing.

Dr. Sonia Angell Angel, director of the California Department of Public Health, said retail may be allowed to reopen with curbside pickup and non-essential manufacturing for products such as clothing and toys could restart. She also said offices where teleworking isn't possible and where social distancing is possible can reopen. This includes public relations and consulting firms.

These activities are not permitted in the Bay Area's new order in effect through May.

You can read the full order here.

SFGATE Digital Editor Amy Graff contributed to this report.

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Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting