Today Sheriff Billy Honsal took questions from members of the media, and they ended up focuses quite a bit on his department’s hopes and fears for the next phase of the fight against the virus — the phased reopening the economy.

His full responses are in the video above; below, please find a summary of the questions and his answers.

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What kind of protective gear to deputies have, and how have they altered their behavior with the public to limit their exposure? (0:00)

All of them have facial coverings, most of them homemade. There are also some N95 masks. And there have been a lot of modifications made to the way officers generally police, in order to socially distance and keep themselves and others safe.

Has it been hard to acquire that gear? (1:10)

Yes. Even though a lot of protective gear is being reserved for first responders, it’s still hard to get hold of, and it’s expensive. A new shipment of good masks is coming in soon.

There have been a number of violent crimes in the last week or so. Is that par for the course, or has there been a noticible change in crime committed during the pandemic? (2:10)

Humboldt County is no stranger to violent crime, but as this has dragged on things are becoming difficult for people. There is a lot of tension around. It’s starting to spill out, and we’re starting to see it throughout the county. “We’re looking forward to having some relief, here, real soon.”

Has COVID affected recruitment for new deputies? (3:50) The old recruitment systems we had in place are very strong, and they seem to be holding up. We’re looking at sending as many as 10 people through the academy this fall.

What concerns does the Sheriff’s Office have about the shelter-in-place being lifted? (4:40)

The community’s done a “phenomenal job,” but the virus is still out there. As we start easing the restrictions, more people are going to be infected. Will our hospitals have the capacity to keep up? That’s the number one concern. One outbreak in a closed enviromnment — an assisted-living facility, the Rescue Mission, the jail — could swiftly swamp our medical resources.

How many inmates have been tested for COVID? (7:00)

A lot — dozens — but none have tested positive. New inmates are tested via the private lab system.

Gov. Newsom has announced a deal with Motel 6 to house the homeless. Has Humboldt adopted an operating agreement with Motel 6 or other local motels? (7:50)

We have secured facilities to house the most vulnerable, or people who have been tested and are awaiting results. We’re looking to acquire more space still.

Anything else? (9:00)

A lot of businesses that have been deemed essential, but closed anyway, out of fear? It’s time for them to open up. The grocery stores have been fantastic. They’ve stayed open, and we haven’t had any outbreaks due to them being open.

The Sheriff’s Office will be opening up for its usual business operations on Friday — for livescans, and such.

Doctors, dentists, childcare facilities, food distribution facilities? They should open up. Let’s put people back to work.