On Tuesday, September 8, the County of Orange announced the movement to the Substantial or Red Tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy – the color tier system which aims at reducing COVID-19 in the state by loosening and tightening restrictions on activities.
In addition to the reopening that occurred under the Widespread or Purple tier, effective September 8 the following business sectors may open or amend their operations as listed below:
All Retail (including critical infrastructure, except standalone grocers)
- Open indoors with modifications
- Maximum 50% capacity
Shopping Centers (Malls, Destinations Centers, Swap Meets)
- Open indoor with modifications
- Maximum 50% capacity
- Closed common areas
- Reduced capacity food courts (see restaurants below)
Personal Care Services
- Open indoors with modifications
Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums
- Open indoors with modifications
- Indoor activities maximum 25% capacity
Places of Worship
- Open indoors with modifications
- Maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
Movie Theaters
- Open indoors with modifications
- Maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
Hotels and lodging
- Open with modifications
- Fitness centers (+10%)
Gyms and Fitness Centers
- Open indoors with modifications
- Maximum 10% capacity
Restaurants
- Open indoors with modifications
- Maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
Orange County must meet the metric criteria for the next two straight weeks, and wait the mandatory 21-day period before potentially advancing to the next lower tier, the Moderate or Orange Tier. Reopening metrics are based on cases per 100,000 residents and positive COVID-19 test results per 100,000 tests.
Additionally, assessments of the numbers will take place weekly, and counties are only permitted to advance one tier at a time. Schools may reopen for in-person instruction on September 22.
For more information, visit the State’s COVID-19 website at covid19.ca.gov.