Lake County Public Health officer discusses state’s new four-tier COVID-19 blueprint
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace has offered additional information for county residents about what the governor’s new four-tier “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” in response to COVID-19 means for Lake County.
Gov. Newsom announced the new blueprint on Friday, as Lake County News has reported.
The changes go into effect on Monday, Aug. 31, according to Dr. Gary Pace, Lake County’s Public Health officer.
Pace said the blueprint replaces the state’s County Monitoring List – or “watch list” – and has four color-coded tiers based on county risk level.
The levels are shown in the graphic below.
Daily case rates and test positivity rates determine tier placement. Businesses in counties in less-restrictive tiers can provide services in more ways.
Pace said Lake County will align with state guidance. Counties cannot take restrictions away.
Which tier is Lake County in, and what does this mean for local businesses?
Pace said Lake County will be initially placed in Tier 2 (Red, “Substantial” viral spread).
As of Monday, these are some changes:
• Indoor movie theaters, previously closed, can open at 25 percent of capacity
• Restaurants will be permitted to reopen for indoor dining at 25 percent of capacity.
• Gyms were limited by the ability to socially distance; now there is a hard capacity limit – not to exceed 10 percent.
Local businesses are encouraged to visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ , select Lake County and your business sector, and see what is allowed. Answers to frequently asked questions are also posted.
If Lake County progresses to the purple tier, newly-enabled indoor activities will again be prohibited.
“Our case positivity rate and hospitalizations have recently been increasing,” said Pace.
He reported that on Friday Lake County recorded its first cases in a congregate living facility; outbreaks and deaths in such environments have led multiple neighboring counties to restrict activities.
What about schools?
There are no significant changes for schools, Pace said, noting that in the state’s July 17 guidance, the purple tier can be substituted for “County Monitoring List.
“This is a critical time. Business leaders, if you are considering adding indoor activities on Monday, precautions must be in place. Residents, please do your part to keep local businesses open. If we all wear face coverings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and avoid social gatherings, we can turn things around,” said Pace.
More about the plan can be found here.
New statewide public health orders released on Friday can be viewed here.