LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new process for reopening businesses that is slower and more gradual than what the state tried earlier this summer.
The new rules create a four-tier, color-coded system that counties will move through based on their number of cases and percentage of positive tests.
It will rely on two metrics to determine which tier a county is in: case rates and the percentage of positive tests.
The state's website says:
"Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its rate of new cases and positivity. At a minimum, counties must remain in a tier for at least 3 weeks before moving forward. Data is reviewed weekly and tiers are updated on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. If a county’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will be assigned a more restrictive tier. Public health officials are constantly monitoring data and can step in if necessary."
Based on the state’s new tool, San Diego County is in the red Substantial tier, and while the system allows certain businesses to reopen, individual counties can issue more stringent restrictions that could keep those businesses closed or restricted to outdoor operations.
As of Aug. 28, the tool shows San Diego County businesses such as nail salons, hair salons/barbershops, and gyms/fitness centers are able to reopen indoor operations -- with modifications under industry guidance -- by Aug. 31.
Restaurants can reopen for indoor dine-in service with modifications and capacity limits, the state’s tool shows.
Breweries and bars/pubs that do not serve food remain closed under the new guidelines.
When it comes to schools in San Diego County, in-person learning is still prohibited. The state says schools “can open for in-person instruction if county remains in this tier for two weeks.”
More detailed information by county and business type can be found at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy.