Frequently Asked Questions Re: COVID in Carmel:

The State of California is currently under a REGIONAL STAY HOME ORDER, based on ICU bed capacities. All individuals are strongly advised not to conduct any non-essential travel and not to have personal gatherings of any size. Our State has been divided up into 5 Regions, Monterey County being placed in the BAY AREA REGION. Once a region goes below 15% available ICU bed capacity, that region is then placed under strict shutdown orders. Our County is currently still under a Regional Stay Home Order until our ICU capacity increases. Below is a general list of business activities during this time:

***Masks and social distancing are required when out in public.***

Under the order, the following sectors are allowed to remain open with safety precautions:
  • Critical infrastructure (when remote option is not possible)
  • Schools
  • Non-urgent medical and dental care
  • Child care and pre-K
The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:
  • Outdoor Recreational Facilities: Allow outdoor operation only for the purpose of facilitating physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise, without any food, drink or alcohol sales. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted, but day use is open. State and federal parks officials are encouraging people not to travel long distances to parks, however. Visiting parks within the county is OK. Private campgrounds and RV parks remain open, as they provide a place for people to shelter who may not have another residence, as well as selling essential items like propane, gas and groceries.
  • Retail and Food Stores: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity, and 35% of capacity for stand-alone grocery stores, with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
  • Shopping Centers: Allow indoor access at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
  • Hotels and Lodging: Allow for COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures, treatment measures, provide accommodation for essential workers, or providing housing solutions, including measures to protect homeless populations.
  • Restaurants: Allow only for take out or delivery.
  • Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
  • Places of Worship and Political Expression: Allow outdoor activities only.
  • Entertainment Production: Industries, studios, and other related establishments such as establishments that provide content for professional broadcast can operate without live audiences.
  • Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Nail Salons and other Personal Care Services: Closed.
  • Libraries: Curbside pickup may continue. (Check for limited holiday hours.)
  • Swimming Pools: Outdoor only.
  • Wineries and Wine Tasting Rooms: No in-person tastings but retail sales allowed, as well as take-out if they serve food. Tasting rooms are preparing to again operate as bottle shops.

See a list of Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurants offering take out/delivery here. See the list here of our surrounding area member restaurants.

**Carmel Beach is open with modifications. Water activities, exercise & sitting with blanket or beach chair permitted. No tents, tables, bbqs or large groups.** 

Our Chamber Office & Visitor Center will be closed, but our staff will be checking email and voicemail each day. Thank you helping us keep our community safe and we hope to see you soon!

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The Carmel Chamber of Commerce : Creating the Links

Since 1922, the Carmel Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Carmel Business Association) has promoted the success of Carmel, California businesses. The Carmel Chamber provides services, programs, workshops, and networking to nearly 500 members. Membership in the Carmel Chamber of Commerce is the best decision you can make for your business. It’s a great way to help your business, be involved in the community, and have fun!

For our tourist driven members, the Carmel Chamber runs the Carmel Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is the number one resource for in-town visitors, seeing an average of 2,500 people a month.

The Chamber and Visitor Center are great sources of information about Carmel for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Thank you to our Executive Leadership Council for their continued support!