Contra Costa, Napa and Sonoma Counties to Transfer to Orange Tier – CBS San Francisco

(CBS SF) – Contra Costa, Napa and Sonoma counties will move to the less restrictive Orange Tier in California on Wednesday morning, according to state health officials.

The state announced its updated animal assignments on the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy website late Tuesday morning when health officials said – based on vaccine distribution and a continued decline in new hospital admissions – all COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted nationwide 15 June.

The less restrictive Orange Tier policy will go into effect on Wednesday, April 7th at 12:01 am for these three counties and 13 other states, including Monterey County.

Only Solano County in the Bay Area remains in the Red Tier.

Health officials in Contra Costa County said the county currently has a COVID case rate of 4.9 cases per 100,000 people and an overall testing rate of 1.8%, which is slightly higher than the nationwide positivity rate of 1.6%. The health equity metric is currently 3% for the county.

COVID-related hospital stays are at their lowest level since October. Officials said it has been five months since Contra Costa last qualified for the Orange Tier.

In the meantime, almost 500,000 residents of the district are at least partially vaccinated. Contra Costa County opened vaccinations for all residents and people working in County 16 and above earlier than anywhere else in the state this past week.

“This is great news for our community,” said Diane Burgis, chairwoman of the Contra Costa County Board of Directors. “The past few months have been difficult for everyone and it is good to see that we are making further progress in the fight against COVID.”

Dr. Contra Costa health officer Chris Farnitano said people shouldn’t give up their vigilance just yet. He noted that fall rates have plateaued recently, suggesting a slowdown in the recovery.

“We are still in a pandemic and people should continue to act accordingly: keep wearing masks in public and get vaccinated as soon as possible. I still strongly recommend people avoid most indoor activities with people outside of their own household until they are fully vaccinated, ”Farnitano said.

Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County Health Officer, also advised residents to continue following public health guidelines, which have helped the county reduce its positivity rate to 1.6 percent.

“We should all be comfortable with our progress against COVID-19,” said Mase. “We also want to move safely through the orange row and not lose ground. Even with more of us being vaccinated every day, it is important to be aware of the fluctuations in other parts of the country and to avoid outbreaks here. “

The three districts can reopen or expand capacities for a number of business areas from Wednesday 7 April:

• Amusement parks: The total capacity of the park and indoor space is limited to 25%, including indoor restaurants.
• Bars: outdoors with modifications; No meals need to be served
• Breweries, distilleries and wineries: Indoors with a maximum capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is less; No meals need to be served
• Family Entertainment Centers: Indoor for naturally detached activities like bowling, escape rooms, and billiards; 25% maximum capacity
• Gyms, fitness centers and studios (also in hotels): 25% maximum capacity and indoor pools are allowed; Indoor whirlpools, saunas and steam baths are still closed
• Cinemas: 50% maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is less subsidized
• Outdoor sports and live performances with fans / participants: Up to 33% and only upon prior reservation. Concessions are mainly sold at headquarters (no concourse sales). The capacity of the designated indoor dining area is limited to 25%. Entry is restricted to spectators and guests must confirm that their reserved seats are for one household only.
• Places of worship: 50% maximum capacity
• Restaurants: 50% maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is lower
• Retail: Open indoors with changes and food courts with restrictions for indoor restaurants

Community members are reminded that COVID-19 is still present and that residents should continue to take protective measures such as B. wearing face covering, frequent hand washing, and staying at least 6 feet away from anyone outside your household, even if you’ve been vaccinated.

Outdoor gatherings of no more than three households are allowed under the Orange Tier. Indoor gatherings are still strongly discouraged.

Districts must stay on the orange tier for at least three weeks before moving on to the next, less restrictive, yellow tier, officials said.