Article from For Liberty by Norm Leahy.

Officials in Yuba and Sutter counties in Northern California have begun allowing businesses to re-open despite a continued statewide shutdown order and sharp criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom. But their actions appear to have prompted a change in thinking at the state capitol.

In a statement, Yuba-Sutter Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu said:

“COVID-19 is dangerous and scary but it is not the only health issue,” Dr. Luu said. “We cannot wait for a vaccine without seeing extreme economic damage done to our community. The consequences of waiting will be additional health concerns brought on by stress and the very real dilemma for those with limited resources whether to buy life-saving food or life-saving medicines. As the Bi-County Health Officer, I have to think of the totality of health for the entire community.”

Among the business allowed to re-open under certain social distancing guidelines are, “restaurants, retail operations, shopping malls, construction, real estate, agriculture, gyms and fitness studios, hair salons and barbershops, nail salons, spas, massage therapy centers, and tattoo parlors.”

A number of businesses, schools, entertainment venues and religious services remain closed.

Immediately after the announcements, Gov. Newsom said the two counties were “making a big mistake,”  and “putting their public at risk.” But he’s since said the state as a whole will begin relaxing some of its shutdown orders for certain businesses.

California’s Modoc County was the first to begin re-opening businesses, but, according to local officials, “in a very scaled back sense.”

Back in Sutter County, Newsom’s apparent softening was seen as good news:

Sutter County Supervisor Mike Ziegenmeyer said he interpreted Newsom’s comments as offering a path of approval for the county’s swifter return toward business-as-usual. “He’s really starting to move. That was a big deal for us,” he said.