The County of Orange announced the launch of a new SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign to incentivize Orange County restaurants to follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Restaurant owners may apply for a $1,000 grant per Orange County restaurant
location for taking steps to create a COVID-safe environment for their customers
and employees. The grant will reimburse restaurants for purchases of personal
protective equipment including face masks, cleaning products, employee training
and costs for physical distancing of tables and chairs, as examples.
The SafeDineOC campaign is sponsored by the County of Orange and managed by
Orange County Business Council (OCBC), which will handle intake and approval of
all restaurant applications as well as disbursement of the $1,000 grants to
restaurant owners. Through its comprehensive database of restaurants, the
OC Health Care Agency will ensure the promotion of the campaign to all restaurant
owners in the County.Restaurants that apply and are approved will be added to a list of COVID-safe eateries organized by city that will be available to consumers on the SafeDineOC website. This online resource will enable the public to see which restaurants offer a safe dining experience in Orange County.
“Orange County businesses are challenged at this time, especially our restaurants,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “We hope that the SafeDineOC program will provide relief not only to our restaurants but also to our residents who want to know where they can dine safely in Orange County at this time.”
The application form is in multiple languages and OCBC staff is available to answer
questions. More information about the program may be found at www.safedineoc.com. Restaurants that apply for the program must meet all qualifications which will be verified by OCBC. Funds will be distributed within 45 days. All restaurants must submit receipts for CARES ACT-qualified purchases for final reimbursement grant payment on purchases made March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.
“We all want to visit OC restaurants and feel safe,” said Orange County Business
Council President Lucy Dunn. “The Board of Supervisors created a great program
to reward restaurants that follow health protocols for today’s outdoor dining as well as preparing for future dine-in service when the time comes. OCBC commends the Board of Supervisors for their response. Innovative ideas and solutions like SafeDineOC ensure Orange County will remain on a path toward both good health and economic recovery.”
For more information about SafeDineOC, go to www.safedineoc.com.
Sincerely,
Doug Chaffee
Supervisor, Orange County Board of Supervisors
