Infection rate slows, city begins to reopen

For two weeks, the city saw its rate of new cases of the coronavirus decrease.

Shafter had 130 new cases last week, bringing the total cases for Shafter to 3,305. Of those, there have been 1,223 cases confirmed as recovered.

Churches in town have returned to indoor worship services after a ruling by the courts said the restrictions put on churches in California are unconstitutional, giving the places of worship the right to conduct indoor services for those parishioners wanting to attend services. They are taking safety precautions, including social distancing and wearing face coverings during the services.

City Hall buildings also opened Feb. 8, giving residents the opportunity to conduct business in person, in addition to the online options for utility customers.

Residents have begun receiving the covid-19 vaccine, as health care workers and residents 65 and over receive the vaccine.

Kern County is still in the purple tier, the most restrictive of the colored tiers, with schools back to distance learning and restaurants offering take-out and delivery options.

Restaurants who have outdoor capabilities can also have diners eat outdoors, adhering to the social distancing protocol. This was also made easier with the waiving of permit fees by the city for those businesses who are doing modifications and improvements to allow them to serve the community during these restrictions.

"I have really enjoyed dining alfresco," said local resident Paula Vettors, who dined with her family recently at Don Pepe's, enjoying a meal outside in their patio area. "It is great just being able to sit down and eat out for dinner again."