Sporting goods stores in Fresno, CA have been allowed to reopen as essential businesses, city leaders announced. Officials said many of the stores sell essential items including food, water, emergency supplies, ice, food storage, propane, and cooking supplies.

The stores that also sell guns and ammunition will be allowed to sell them, the order said.

“We’re very pleased that these businesses are now able to reopen and serve the community,” said Fresno City Councilmember Garry Bredefeld on Wednesday. “We’re also thrilled that many of our citizens will be able to return to work. We encourage businesses to utilize the CDC guidelines in order to keep their customers and staff safe.”

Originally, sporting goods stores were ruled non-essential and were closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The city of Fresno has been under a “shelter in place” order since March 19 to limit the spread.

Photo courtesy City of Fresno, CA