On Friday, Governor Newsom announced new COVID-19 reopening rules that will apply to businesses and schools county by county across the state. The system goes into effect Monday, August 31, and is based on the pervasiveness of the virus and testing rates within each county. Newsom stated that this is a significant change from earlier guidelines. Previous guidelines allowed for the faster reopening of businesses. Instead of 58 different versions of how to operate, there will be four tiers, identified by color. “COVID-19 will be with us for a long time and we need to adapt,” Newsom said during a Friday press conference.
Synopsis
- Governor’s program goes into effect Monday, August 31st
- Tiers will be updated each Tuesday
- Counties must stay in each tier for three (3) weeks before moving to a less restrictive tier
- Numbers must improve over two weeks
- Sacramento County officials (County policies apply to the City of Rancho Cordova) are reviewing the new system and may amend their health order. The earliest response/amendment would be next week.
- The new plan may not supersede county health orders if said county orders are more stringent
Sacramento County is PURPLE
Colors/Tiers are based on the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents and the percentage of positive tests. Results determine how each county will operate.
PURPLE– COVID-19 is Widespread
- Sacramento, Yolo & Placer Counties
- Many non-essential indoor business operations are closed
RED – COVID-19 There is Substantial disease spread
- El Dorado County
- Some non-essential indoor business operations are closed
ORANGE – COVID-19 Disease spread is Moderate
- Humboldt County
- Some indoor business operations are open with modifications
YELLOW – COVID-19 Disease spread is Minimal
- Tuolumne County
- Most indoor business operations are open with modifications
