The Standard’s Astrid Kane answers a reader question submitted to Ask The Standard: What are those yellow painted dots in the middle of some San Francisco streets?

You’ve likely seen them all over town: those yellow circles painted at seemingly random locations in the middle of the street. Some of them are ordinary circles, others have a little notch or arm poking out, while still others have an unpainted section across their middle, looking like the top of a flathead screw. They’re roughly the same goldenrod hue as a school bus. 

According to Muni, these symbols have nicknames including tadpoles, frying pans, hamburgers and pancakes. | Source: RJ Mickelson/The Standard

It turns out these dots are the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s own version of hieroglyphics, an easy-to-decode system to help bus and streetcar operators navigate electric vehicles around the city’s traffic- and obstacle-clogged streets.

Basically, the type of circle refers to the size of the bus. For instance, the one that looks like a flat-top screw is for standard 60-foot trolley coaches, which are different from the diesel-powered motor coaches. And the little arm or notch indicates the direction of travel. 

But they also perform a much more specific function to keep the whole system moving smoothly. 

According to agency spokesperson Stephen Chun, the circles help drivers time their acceleration properly as buses pass through the “breakers” that connect different sections of wire. 

That’s what generates the telltale snap in the wire tension, a sound that longtime San Francisco residents will tell you means only one thing: The bus is almost there. 

The dots themselves are placed at the points where the front of the bus is about to hit the switch or crossing. And those switches, Chun added, are activated by a turn signal on the bus. 

A Muni bus drives along Mission Street at 16th Street past yellow-painted symbols, which are placed below the overhead wires. | Source: RJ Mickelson/The Standard

Driving a bus is complicated! Bus drivers look in all three dimensions—not just left and right—to know they’re moving safely. 

Beyond its long history of amusing bus ads, some of Muni’s infrastructure has charming, old-school names. For example, the antenna-like device protruding from the tops of a bus is known as a “pantograph,” while those electrified cables strung in pairs over the street are called “catenary wires.” 

So it’s no surprise that Muni operators have their own nicknames for the yellow circles, including tadpoles, frying pans, hamburgers and pancakes.

The post San Francisco Streets Have Yellow Circles. What Are They? appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

MARIN COUNTY (CBS SF) – Health officials confirmed Tuesday that Marin County moved from the orange tier to the yellow tier due to the improvement in COVID-19 numbers.

The move marks another reopening of the economy and another step towards normalcy before the pandemic, Marin County officials said. State health officials are still planning to lift all COVID-19 restrictions nationwide on June 15.

CONTINUE READING: Temperatures will rise into the three-digit range by the middle of the week

The Marin County’s Department of Health received a notice from the state on June 1 that the California Department of Health (CDPH) was moving the county from the “moderate risk” orange tier to the more open “minimal risk” yellow tier to steadily declining case numbers.

Marin has been since 24.

Alameda, Napa, Sonoma, and Contra Costa counties are currently in the Orange tier. The counties of San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz have long been some of the least restrictive yellow tiers. Tuesday also marked Solano County’s final move from the red to the orange plains.

The main reason the county’s success was due to the high rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among local residents, which has risen to the highest in the state, according to Marin health officials. The county has seen a steady decline in COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions, and deaths as vaccination rates have risen.

CONTINUE READING: One dead, one injured in an early morning knife stab in San Jose

Marin County has an average of three to four new COVID-19 cases per day, or 1.3 cases per 100,000 population. That number had to be below 2.0 cases per 100,000 for two consecutive weeks to get into the yellow tier.

“Our community has earned the freedom to open up more securely,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Health Officer. “We have our local residents to thank for following the science and best evidence at every stage of this pandemic, including our decision to get vaccinated. Our data clearly shows that vaccines work. Almost all current cases and outbreaks are in unvaccinated people.

Changes allowed under state order if Marin moves to Yellow Tier include gyms and gyms that are 50% capacity (or 75% if all guests have full vaccination coverage or negative COVID-19) Test) indoors, and restaurants that are allowed to open 50% or 75% indoors if guests provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and
Bars that do not serve food can open indoors with 25% or 100 people, whichever is less, or 37.5% if guests provide proof of vaccination or a negative test.

In addition, places of worship can be open at 50% capacity, while cinemas, family entertainment centers, indoor playgrounds, bowling alleys and card rooms can be open at 50% capacity or up to 75% capacity if guests have a vaccination certificate or a negative one Submit result COVID-19 test.

For a full list of corporate sector policy changes, visit Marin Recovers’ website and the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy website.

MORE NEWS: Two women die in a terrible Saturday evening in the Rohnert Park Crash

People looking for a COVID-19 vaccine can use the vaccine finder online at GetVaccinatedMarin.org to find a point of contact or to make an appointment for the vaccination. Alternatively, people can call the California COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-422-4255 for help making a vaccination appointment. Language support is available.

The post Marin County Strikes Into Yellow Tier – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

In the “yellow level”, fitness studios can be used to 50% capacity – inside and outside. Photo via Pexels.com

San Diego County will move into California’s least restrictive “yellow tier” Wednesday morning after two consecutive weeks with an adjusted new daily COVID-19 case rate of less than two cases per 100,000 residents, district officials said Tuesday.

The county will move to the yellow tier just six days before the phasing out of the phased reopening plan on June 15, joining other urban counties such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orange.

On Tuesday, the county’s adjusted case rate was 1.2 cases per 100,000 residents, after having dropped to 1.7 cases last week.

“You did it, San Diegans. You followed public health guidelines and got vaccinated when the vaccine was available to you, ”said Dr. Wilma Wooten, district health officer. “These measures have led to a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases in the region.”

“Now we need San Diegans to get further vaccinated so that we can get closer to herd immunity, and that includes second doses for those who have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,” she added.

At the yellow level, outdoor music events can be increased to 67%, restaurants and gyms can be used to 50% capacity – indoors and outdoors – indoor bars can contain 25% or 100 people, whichever is less, and gatherings in the 200 people can go outdoors.

For a full list of the limits lifted for that one week after moving down to the yellow tier, please visit the state’s COVID-19 website.

If California fully reopens the economy on June 15, the state will go beyond the blueprint for a safer economy – the system of stages the state has been using since last year. No capacity restrictions or social distancing are enforced, and only “mega-events” – events with more than 5,000 people indoors or 10,000 outdoors – require or recommend vaccine verification.

City News Service contributed to this article.

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The post San Diego County Transferring into Least-Restrictive COVID-19 ‘Yellow Tier’ appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco has officially become the first Bay Area county to enter the yellow tier in California’s reopening plan this year.

It’s the least restrictive tier, and comes with several loosened rules that San Francisco hasn’t experienced since November — just before the hard-hitting winter COVID-19 surge that caused a stay at home order across the state.

California officials made the announcement on Tuesday, and businesses can start allowing more capacity as soon as Wednesday morning.

The rest of the Bay Area remains one phase behind, in the orange tier. Solano County is the only one still in the red tier.

Here are San Francisco’s new face mask rules

By June 15, Gov. Newsom has set an expectation for the whole state to fully reopen, nullifying the tier system.

See the full list of everything allowed (and still restricted) in California’s yellow tier:

Amusement parks

Can open with modifications
– Max capacity 35%
– Indoor spaces max 25% capacity
– In-state visitors only

See guidance for Amusement parks and theme parks

Appliance repair shops

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Aquariums

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Museums, zoos, and aquariums

Auto repair shops

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Is it possible to build houses cheaply in Bay Area?

Banks and credit unions

Can open with modifications

Bars (where no meals provided)

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
– Capacity may increase to 37.5% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Restaurants, wineries, and bars

Body waxing studios

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Bookstores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Bowling alleys

Can open with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Max 75% capacity if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination
– Food/beverage service in designated areas only

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers and Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

Breweries (where no meals provided)

Can open indoors and outdoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity, or 200 people, whichever is fewer
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Restaurants, wineries, and bars

Campgrounds

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

Cardrooms

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Cardrooms and racetracks

Carwashes

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Childcare

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Childcare

Churches

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies

Clothing and shoe stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Concert venues

Closed

Conferences

Can open with modifications
– Tickets or guest list required
– Assigned seating
– No intermingling of multiple private events

Outdoor:
– Max capacity 200 people
– Max capacity 400 if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

Indoor:
– Max capacity 200 if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Private events

Construction

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Construction

Convenience stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Convention centers

Closed

Cultural ceremonies

Indoor ceremonies permitted with modifications. Max 50% capacity recommended. See separate guidance for receptions.

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies and gatherings

Dance studios

Can open indoors with modifications
– +Saunas
– +Spas
– +Steam rooms
– Max 50% capacity

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers

Day camps

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Day camps

Distilleries (where no meals provided)

Can open indoors and outdoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity, or 200 people, whichever is fewer
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Restaurants, wineries, and bars

Doctors and dentists

Can open with modifications

Dog walkers

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Door-to-door sales and services

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Drive-in theaters

Can open outdoors only with modifications

See guidance for Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

Dry cleaners

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Electricians

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Electrologists

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Estheticians

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Fairs

Can open with modifications
– Max capacity 35%
– In-state visitors only

See guidance for Amusement parks and theme parks

Family entertainment centers

Can open indoors or outdoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Max 75% capacity if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination
– Food/beverage service in designated areas only

See guidance for Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

Farmers markets

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Festivals

Closed

Film and TV production

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Music, film, and TV production

Fire stations

Can open with modifications

Florists

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Food banks

Can open with modifications

Funeral homes

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies

Gas stations

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Gatherings

Are allowed with modifications

Outdoors:
– Max capacity 100 people

Indoors:
– Strongly discouraged
– Max 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer

See guidance for gatherings and holidays

Government services

Can open with modifications

Grocery stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Gyms and fitness centers

Can open indoors with modifications
– +Saunas
– +Spas
– +Steam rooms
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers

Hair salons and barbershops

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Hair salons and barbershops

Handypersons/general contractors

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Higher education institutions

Capacity for indoor lectures and student gatherings must be limited to 50%. Some courses conducted in certain indoor settings, like labs and studio arts, may be open at regular capacity. Conduct student activities virtually when possible.

See guidance for Higher education

Home and furnishing stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Hospitals and urgent care

Can open with modifications

Hotels and lodging

Can open with modifications
– +Fitness centers (50%)
– +Spa facilities, etc.

See guidance for Hotels and lodging

HVAC services

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Ice rinks

Can open with modifications

Indoors:
– Max 50% capacity
– Max 75% capacity if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination
– Food/beverage service in designated areas only

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers and Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

Indoor playgrounds (bounce centers/ball pits/laser tag)

Can open with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Max 75% capacity if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination
– Food/beverage service in designated areas only

See guidance for Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

Jewelry stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Landscapers

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Laundromats and laundry services

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Libraries

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Live theater

Closed

Live performances

Can open with modifications
– In-state attendees only
– Advanced reservations only

Outdoors:
– Max capacity 67%, including suites
– Suite max capacity 25%
– Restricted concessions and dining

Indoors, all venues:
– No eating/drinking in seats, but in designated areas only
– Suites 25% capacity, max 3 households

Indoors, venues seating up to 1,500:
– Max 25% capacity or 300 people
– Max 50% capacity if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

Indoors, venues seating 1,501 and above:
– Max 10% capacity or 2000 people, whichever is fewer, with no eating/drinking
– Max 50% capacity if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Live events and performances

Massage therapy studios

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Mosques

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies

Movie theaters

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

Museums

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Museums, zoos, and aquariums

Music production

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Music, film, and TV production

Nail salons

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Nightclubs

Closed

Offices (non-essential businesses)

Can open indoors with modifications
– Encourage working remotely

See guidance for Office workspaces

Outdoor playgrounds

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

Outdoor recreation

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

Pet groomers

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Pharmacies

Can open with modifications

See guidance for pharmacies and retail

Piercing shops

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Places of worship

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies

Plumbing services

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Police stations

Can open with modifications

Private events / meetings

Can open with modifications
– Tickets or guest list required
– Assigned seating
– No intermingling of multiple private events

Outdoor:
– Max capacity 200 people
– Max capacity 400 if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination

Indoor:
– Max capacity 200 if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination

See guidance for Private events

Professional sports

Can open outdoors only with modifications
– Max capacity 67%, including suites
– Suite max capacity 25%
– In-state attendees only
– Advanced reservations only
– Outdoor concessions sales only

See guidance for Live events and performances

Racetracks

Can open with modifications
– Permanent venues with live audiences outdoors only
– Max 25% capacity
– Regional attendees only (within 120 miles)
– Reservations required
– Assigned seating only
– In-seat concessions only (no concourse sales)

See guidance for Live events and performances

Receptions

Can open with modifications
– Tickets or guest list required
– Assigned seating
– No intermingling of multiple private events

Outdoor:
– Max capacity 200 people
– Max capacity 400 if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination

Indoor:
– Max capacity 200 if all guests test negative or show proof of full vaccination

See guidance for Private events

Residential and janitorial cleaning services

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Limited services

Restaurants (dine-in)

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Restaurants, wineries, and bars

Restaurants (take-out and delivery)

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Restaurants, wineries, and bars

Retailers

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Runs, walks, marathons, triathlons, endurance events

Can open with modifications
Outdoors:
– Max capacity 500 participants per hour and 1,500 total participants
– Max 3,000 participants if all participants show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Youth and adult recreational sports

Satellite wagering sites

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity

See guidance for Cardrooms and racetracks

Saunas and steam rooms

Can open indoors with modifications
– +Saunas
– +Spas
– +Steam rooms
– Max 50% capacity

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers

Schools

Schools may reopen fully for in-person instruction. Local school officials will decide whether and when that will occur.

See guidance for schools, cohorting FAQs, and CA Safe Schools for All hub

Shopping malls

Can open with modifications
– Reduced capacity food courts (see Restaurants)

See guidance for Shopping centers

Short-term lodging rentals

Can open with modifications
– +Fitness centers (50%)
– +Spa facilities, etc.

See guidance for Hotels and lodging

Skateparks

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

Ski resorts

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

Skin care services

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Sporting goods stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

State and local government offices

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Office workspaces

State beaches

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

State forests

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

State-managed lakes and reservoirs

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

State parks

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds

Swap meets

Can open with modifications
– Reduced capacity food courts (see Restaurants)

See guidance for Shopping centers

Swimming pools

Can open outdoors with modifications. Drowning prevention classes, including swim lessons with certified instructors, are permitted indoors and outdoors.

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers, Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds, and Hotels and lodging

Synagogues

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies

Tattoo parlors

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Personal care services

Temples

Can open indoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity
– Capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies

Theme parks

Larger parks open with modifications
– 25% capacity
– Reservations or advance tickets required

See guidance for Amusement parks and theme parks

Toy stores

Can open with modifications

See guidance for Retail

Water parks

Can open with modifications.
– Indoor dining maximum 50% capacity
– Walk up ticket sales allowed
– Must give name and phone number for contact tracing

Outdoors:
– Maximum 40% capacity

Indoors:
– Parks, pools, and rides maximum 25% capacity
– Capacity may increase to 37.5% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Amusement parks, theme parks, and water parks

Weddings

Indoor ceremonies permitted with modifications. Max 50% capacity recommended. See separate guidance for receptions.

See guidance for Places of worship and cultural ceremonies and gatherings

Wineries

Can open indoors and outdoors with modifications
– Max 50% capacity, or 200 people, whichever is fewer
– Capacity may increase to 75% if all guests show proof of negative test or full vaccination

See guidance for Restaurants, wineries, and bars

Yoga studios

Can open indoors with modifications
– +Saunas
– +Spas
– +Steam rooms
– Max 50% capacity

See guidance for Gyms and fitness centers

Youth and adult recreational sports

Some indoor moderate-contact sports allowed, and some indoor high-contact sports permitted. See list.

See guidance for Youth and adult recreational sports

Zoos

Can open indoors with modifications

See guidance for Museums, zoos, and aquariums

The post San Francisco 1st Bay Space county within the yellow tier appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

When stores closed in the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, plywood and other drab coverings were a common sight on most of the streets of San Francisco. They have been a constant, hard reminder of the overwhelming health and financial challenges that remain. When artists were given permission to paint murals and create other art forms on these sleeves and in other selected locations, their efforts brought welcome visual relief and a sense of hope to many.

In keeping with this renewed emphasis on the arts, Mayor London Breed launched the San Francisco Creative Corps pilot program late last year to support artists and promote public health through art.

In the past few months, San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink and others have captured images of the resulting artwork, and particularly street art, in Castro and other parts of the city. The Bay Times also featured honey bears by artist Five, who raised thousands of dollars for San Francisco charities.

In response to critics, five recently wrote, “Duchamp said that the artist is only responsible for 50% of the work and the audience is responsible for the other 50%. I tried to create a spot of light in a dark time during the pandemic. But it’s still art. Obviously, not everyone will like it. I think that’s okay and completely normal. Elie Wiesel says the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. The worst that can happen to an artist is that someone walks past their work and feels nothing. If someone will go by and feel love, then someone will go by and feel hate. “

As of this writing, San Francisco is moving to the yellow tier, which is the least restrictive tier in the state. The city’s art landscape is also changing now. Here’s a look back at some of the murals and other works of art – many of which have already been removed or painted over – that are likely to be forever associated with this unprecedented time.

Photos from the ice rink
Published on May 6, 2021

The post San Francisco Artscape Shifts as Metropolis Strikes Towards Yellow Tier – San Francisco Bay Instances appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Dr. Sara Cody, senior health officer for Santa Clara County, announces a revision of local corporate COVID restrictions on May 18, 2021.

SAN JOSE, California – – Santa Clara county health officials announced that COVID restrictions would ease on Wednesday as the county moves to the state’s yellow tier in the reopening plan.

The county is introducing a unique model that has not yet been seen in the Bay Area or possibly California.

Under the county’s new rules to limit the pandemic, companies no longer need to maximize the number of employees working from home, said Dr. Sara Cody and other Santa Clara officials. Corporate social distancing requirements will also be lifted.

Santa Clara County, moving to yellow row, is revising COVID rules

Santa Clara County’s health officials announced they are easing COVID restrictions but adding a new health ordinance requiring employers to inquire about workers’ vaccination status. The county moves into the yellow row on Wednesday.

SEE ALSO: Bay Area’s Guide to COVID-19 Rules: What Each County Allow

Instead of these rules, employers have two weeks to determine the COVID vaccination status of each employee. Additional safety measures are being put in place for workers who are not vaccinated or who refuse to reveal their vaccination status, district officials said. When a COVID case arises, officials must be notified.

“If employees want to decline to reveal their status, they can check,” said District Attorney James Williams. “If they do this, however, they are treated as not vaccinated in terms of occupational health and safety regulations.”

“This will be very complicated for many employers, especially small businesses,” said Donald Polden, law professor at Santa Clara University.

Polden said that in this uncharted territory, much remains to be worked out between an employer’s duty to create a safe job and workers who cannot or do not want to be vaccinated.

“Given some people’s concerns about taking vaccines for any reason, it can create tension between them and their employers,” Polden said.

The changes are an indication that the COVID pandemic is less of a threat, Cody said.

“For the first time in a long time I’m optimistic,” said Cody.

The change to the yellow tier means that Santa Clara County has reached the least restrictive tier in the California system.

The county case rate is 1/3 that of a month ago and at 0.5% marks the lowest positivity rate ever recorded.

72% of Santa Clara County’s residents 12 and older have received a COVID shot, while 56% of eligible residents in this age group are fully vaccinated.

The county will follow state guidelines that require masks to be worn indoors by June 15, regardless of vaccination status. People who have already been vaccinated can walk around the outdoors without covering their face in the state.

The color-coded system, which defines which companies can be open in which districts and with what capacity, will be lifted on June 15th.

The post Santa Clara County, shifting into yellow tier, overhauls COVID guidelines appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Santa Clara County could be the next in the Bay Area to hit the yellow tier for COVID-19 reopening this week.

The county’s fall and positivity rates meet the state’s criteria for moving to yellow. Only 24 new cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, including two deaths. According to the district, 59% of residents aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated.

If the move is announced on Tuesday, Santa Clara County would be the third county in the Bay Area to make it to the least restrictive yellow plains, joining San Francisco and San Mateo counties.

By moving to the yellow level, many companies such as bars, restaurants, gyms and cinemas can expand their capacities to operate indoors.

California officials have set June 15 as the date for everything to fully reopen, but Santa Clara County would get a head start if it got the green light.

If the county receives clearance on Tuesday, the change in yellow will take effect on Wednesday.

The post Santa Clara County on Verge of Shifting Into Yellow Tier for COVID-19 Reopening – NBC Bay Space appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

San Francisco plans to move into the yellow row next week, a change that will bring a breath of fresh air to its restaurants and bars. In a small business webinar from the San Francisco Business and Human Resources Development Office, SF Assistant Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip said the city and county are on track to enter the least restrictive yellow tier this coming Friday, May 7th, vaccinated guests may be able to remove masks outdoors, and bars may be able to move indoors with a capacity of 25 percent open again.

The biggest update is that the city is hoping to simplify the rules on outdoor masks after the CDC recently recommended that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks outdoors when walking, running, cycling, or chatting in small groups gather. However, San Francisco is waiting for California to formally conform to advice from the CDC before official updates are made, and overall, the SFDH continues to promote outdoor activities that Dr. Philip continues to be much safer than indoor activities.

In restaurants with al fresco dining, the yellow tier means that fully vaccinated individuals may no longer need to wear face masks, provided the tables are six feet apart. Unvaccinated individuals are still advised to wear face masks outdoors, and everyone must continue to wear face masks indoors. Indoor dining will stay constant at 50 percent capacity, which may be a disappointment for some, but the total number of people limit will be removed and the tables will accommodate up to eight people from three different households. Buffets as well as sushi boats and fro-yo machines can also return, provided a measuring system is in place.

Vaccinated drinkers may no longer be required to wear masks in outdoor drinking bars, but unvaccinated drinkers are still advised to wear masks. Big cocktail news allows bars with a capacity of 25 percent or up to 100 people to be opened for drinking indoors, regardless of whether they serve food or not. This also applies to wineries, breweries and distilleries.

It was a long winter on the purple stage of “widespread risk” when San Francisco closed for the holidays. But the city turned a corner in the spring and switched to the red “significant risk” tier on March 3, which ushered in the return of indoor dining, and to the orange “moderate risk” tier on March 24th, causing The restrictions on bars have been relaxed and do not serve food. There was a slight delay in early April due to an increase in cases and San Francisco was held off the yellow row. But now the yellow tier promises to be the least restrictive of them all, indicating “minimal risk”. San Francisco and Marin may be the first two boroughs in the Bay Area to hit the least restrictive tier next week. But of course the color levels may go away soon – California is slated to reopen fully on June 15, assuming the number of cases stays low.

Dr. Philip said that despite animal swaps and openings in the past week, the city had only 33 cases with low and stable case numbers. Hospital stays have also remained low, with just 21 hospital stays in the past week. Vaccination rates continue to hit new highs, with the announcement that now 70 percent of adults over the age of 16 have received their first dose and 45 percent have received both doses. Dr. Philip cautioned, however, that the SFDPH will weigh vaccine success against the unknowns of new variants and keep an eye on the west coast as Oregon and Washington cases increase.

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The coronavirus pandemic continues to ease in San Francisco, and public health officials expect the city to advance to the yellow plain soon, paving the way for companies to reopen and increase capacity. The city assumes that bars will be allowed to reopen indoors and that the mask mandate for fully vaccinated adults will be relaxed outdoors.

The city first met the yellow tier criteria on April 27, the least stringent tier in the state’s reopening plan. She must meet the requirements for two weeks to enter the stage.

“If our health indicators continue to meet the Yellow Level requirements, the state will assign us the Yellow Level on Tuesday, May 4th,” said a statement from the SF COVID Command Center, which is the city’s response to the pandemic managed. “Subject to an unexpected change in local health conditions, we expect these changes to take effect on Friday, May 7th in San Francisco.”

Governor Gavin Newsom announced last month that the state will fully reopen its economy on June 15, dismantling what is known as the Safer Economy Draft, the tiers of which determine which businesses can open based on the severity of the viruses that are spreading in a county. In the meantime, the state will continue to work under the blueprint approved in August. In the Bay Area, all counties are in the orange category expected for Solano County, which is in the red, the second most restrictive level. Marin County can move to the yellow row this week, but the county health director Dr. Matt Willis said, “It’s too close to call.”

“Our numbers go up and down in small ways with no real trend,” Willis said. “We have reached a target value roughly on the edge of orange and yellow for most of the last month. Literally one day it is up, the next down and the next reversed again. The numbers line up with yellow for most of the week, but a slight increase has brought us to 2.1 cases per 100,000 people as of Sunday, and it has to be below 2 to change to yellow. We’ll see what the state charges for Marin tomorrow. This is one of the limitations of a process it depends on a single number that is checked on a particular day. “

The state’s color-coded reopening framework assigns a level to each county that dictates which business areas and activities can be operated. There are four levels with “purple” indicating a widespread pandemic, “red”, “substantial”, “orange”, “moderate” and “yellow”, minimal.

The state will announce new animal allocations on Tuesday, and counties can push ahead with reopening on Wednesday. Counties can choose to be more restrictive than the state.

As San Francisco moves into the yellow area, the Department of Health plans to align its health policies closely with the state, but maintain certain safety measures to address the unique urban environment.

City officials continue to review state guidelines for the yellow level and make decisions about many of the details about what will be allowed in San Francisco, but they haven’t finalized the health code yet.

The city said some of the sectors likely to be allowed to reopen include indoor bars, saunas, and steam rooms, as well as some additional indoor family entertainment like ice rinks, arcades, and indoor play areas.

Much of the state’s reopening activities in the yellow level relate to the expansion of capacity constraints from previous levels, and the city expects they will adapt to many of these activities.

“In general, many indoor sectors are likely to be able to operate at 50% capacity with no attendance limit, except in certain cases such as indoor bars, where government guidelines are more restrictive, and indoor saunas, and Steam baths that will be limited to 25%, “said the city. “Certain other limited sectors will have attendance limits such as cinemas, conventions, meetings and receptions, and indoor recreation.”

SF public health officials also expect the San Francisco mask mandate to align with the Center for Disease Control’s new guidelines, which eased requirements for full outdoor vaccination for adults last week.

“While vaccinated adults are no longer required to wear masks outdoors in contexts where they can be 6 feet apart and there are no large crowds,” according to the COVID Command Center. “Masks will continue to be needed indoors and in certain crowded outdoor areas. Vaccinated adults should still have masks with them in case they need them.”

Here’s a look at the activities the city expects to reopen or expand with the move to the Yellow Plains. These details are still under review and are subject to change, public health officials said.

– Indoor bars, breweries and wineries can have up to 100% capacity of up to 100 people.

– The three-household table limit for indoor dining is lifted and up to 8 people are allowed per table.

– The indoor family entertainment camera capacity is increased to 50% with no testing or vaccination requirements, and additional indoor activities such as ice and roller skating, golf arcades and playgrounds can be reopened to 50% capacity.

-Indoor cinemas can expand the capacity to 50% for up to 500 people.

– Libraries can open up to 50% capacity.

– Offices can be expanded to 50% capacity without fully vaccinated staff.

– Conventions, meetings, and outdoor receptions can be expanded to 200 people without fully vaccinated workers and up to 400 people if all attendees provide evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Indoor conventions, meetings and receptions could be expanded to 200 people, with all participants presenting proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

-The indoor live spectator venues can be expanded to 50%, and food and drink events can accommodate groups of less than 200 people without the need for a vaccine certificate or negative test. An approved health and safety plan or proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is not required for events of up to 300 people OR events that take up less than 25% of the venue’s capacity.

-The outdoor live spectator venues can be expanded to 67%, and food and drink events can accommodate groups of less than 300 people without the need for a vaccine certificate or negative test.

– Outdoor art, music and theater festivals can be expanded to up to 100 people.

-Indoor Fitness and Sports Recreation Youth and adult facilities can be expanded to 50% capacity and classes can be expanded to 50% capacity for up to 200 people.

-Indoor swimming pools can be expanded to 50% capacity.

– Saunas, steam baths and whirlpools indoors can be reopened with a capacity of 25%.

-Adult day programs and senior community centers can be expanded to 50% indoor capacity of up to 50 people.

– Eating or drinking in cafes or restaurants in grocery stores and other retail stores is permitted according to the indoor eating rules.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – San Francisco was the first city and county in the Bay Area to pass the Yellow Tier Policy Thursday morning. Bars and other businesses finally got the chance to serve customers indoors.

The state announced its updated animal assignments on the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy website just before noon late Tuesday morning. San Francisco officials said they plan to “expand almost all activity to 50% indoor capacity” unless California imposes more restrictive capacity limits.

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The San Francisco Department of Health plans to issue its final health and safety guidelines to reopen activities that are allowed under the yellow tier of the state’s safer economy on Thursday. The relaxed restrictions took effect from 8 a.m.

But of all the things that open up again inside under the yellow step, the bars seem to be in the foreground.

They were closed from the start. Some have even disappeared for good.

From Thursday, bars with a capacity of 25 percent can be opened indoors.

San Francisco supervisor Matt Haney recognized the hard work of the San Francisco residents and their willingness to adhere to safety protocols.

“So this is a huge landmark and it reflects a lot of sacrifice,” Haney said.

When asked if he was concerned that San Francisco might return to another lockdown, Haney expressed confidence.

“I think that’s safe, you know? We are still cautious; You know, masks inside, even at bars, you have to sit at tables and no crowds inside, ”Haney explained. “But we see that with the reopening, cases are still falling. And a big part of that is the vaccinations. In San Francisco, over 50% of our population aged 16 and over is fully vaccinated. “

Locals turned up at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Church of 8 Wheels, a popular roller-skating rink in San Francisco’s Lower Haight neighborhood, excited about the Yellow Tier’s reopening.

Leyla Norooz caught the early morning wind and laced herself indoors for the first time in more than a year.

“It’s wonderful! So good. So soft!” She said.

Owner David Miles Jr. weathered the pandemic by adapting.

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“We have opened an online skate shop. I started selling ice skates like crazy, ”he said. We are also involved in building runways for other communities. I don’t let the grass grow under my feet. I have to get rolling; I have to spread the religion as widely as possible. “

His son David Miles III was just as enthusiastic about the reopening.

“We have finally reached that day. So we’re finally here! Now we can do this every day. It’s something that has definitely given us high hopes of moving forward, ”he said.

“We are almost normal. We’re getting closer to normal, but we still have a long way to go, “said Miles Jr.” I just hope we can move on. I don’t want another shutdown you know That would be devastating. “

“I’m here with all of my friends. I couldn’t be happier. It’s about being part of a community, ”enthused skater Jake Zimmerman.

In addition to bars, breweries and wineries, which are allowed to reopen indoors with a capacity of 25%, there are further adjustments as part of the yellow level.

Eight guests are now allowed per table in restaurants. Ice skating and roller skating rinks, playgrounds and family recreation centers such as amusement arcades, mini golf, pool halls and bowling alleys can be reopened with a capacity of 50%, as can public libraries.

Saunas, steam baths and indoor whirlpools may be reopened with a capacity of 25%.

Outdoor gatherings can accommodate up to 100 people, and outdoor live spectator venues can be expanded to 67% capacity in accordance with published government guidelines. San Francisco has largely adhered to state guidelines in previous COVID strides.

On Monday, SF health officials announced that San Francisco would follow the state’s new guidelines on masking, reflecting the recently updated CDC recommendations.

Acting San Francisco Health Commissioner Dr. Susan Philip, released a statement Monday after the state decided to generally align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for masking fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

For the purposes of this guide, people are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after receiving a single dose . Currently, people aged 16 and over can be vaccinated in San Francisco.

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“The CDC’s announcement that people who are fully vaccinated, and in some cases not vaccinated, will no longer need to wear masks in certain outdoor environments is fantastic news that reflects the science and data we now have on the effectiveness of the Vaccines in preventing the spread and shutdown of the community have fall rates and minimal risk of outdoor transmission, “Phillip said in a statement.

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