BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Public health officials said they are concerned about the recent rise in transmission rates of COVID-19, and it could impact how the county continues to move forward with re-opening.

"You just spend a chunk of your change trying to reopen, and then to do that again, I think it would be devastating," Hodel said.

To reopen, Don Hodel, the owner of Hodel's Country Dining said employees are required to wear face masks, receive temperature checks before starting their shift and placed marks on the floor to encourage social distancing.

Hodel said if the second wave of COVID-19 arises, it could mean more than the loss of revenue.

"The thing that would probably be the devastating part would be consumer confidence," Hodel said. "If all of a sudden, no one showed up, even though you had all these safety things in place, but nobody showed up well, that's, that's the problem right there."

In a press briefing Thursday morning, Ryan Alsop, Kern County Chief Administrative Officer, said Kern County health officials are seeing elevated rates of transmission and hospitalization rates.

"The ability for our hospitals to manage the medical needs of this community, COVID related or unrelated, particularly, particularly those require requiring intensive care. That capacity needs to be maintained. If it is not, we are...we have a significant problem," Alsop said.

With the growing concern, Hodel said he has faith in the future of his business.

"We'll continue to trust and, and see what the future brings. But right now we're just living one day at a time," Hodel said.

Currently, the restaurant is offering dine-in services and take-out.

Hodel's Country Dining is located at 5917 Knudsen Drive in Northwest Bakersfield.