BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield City Council voted almost unanimously to support the County of Kern to request authorization from the State of California to reopen the local economy.

On March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued the stay-at-home order designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 to allow communities time to prepare to meet a surge in health care demands caused by the disease and avoid a dramatic increase in cases. On April 28, the Governor announced a four-phase plan to reopen local economies, including the opportunity for regional variations in the stay at home order.

Last week several Kern County supervisors signed a letter to the governor urging him to modify his stay-at-home order to allow local flexibility. The letter was signed by local Senator Shannon Grove, Kern County Supervisors Mick Gleason, Zack Scrivner, Mike Maggard, and David Couch as well as Taft Mayor Dave Noerr.

"Given the low impact and our demonstrated ability to establish effective precautionary guidelines," City Manager Christian Clegg wrote in the letter. "The City of Bakersfield is in support of any efforts you make to receive authorization to reopen the County.