SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A new interactive map produced by San Diego County officials shows the cities and communities hardest hit by the coronavirus.
The county launched its COVID-19 case rate map on Thursday, and it uses a color tier system similar to the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” reopening plan.
Users can look at case rates per 100,000 residents in specific areas or search by ZIP code.
County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said, “Cities had previously requested the map to determine how they are faring during the pandemic. The map gives cities a clearer picture of how COVID-19 is impacting their residents and will help them determine whether to take more aggressive actions to enforce the public health guidance to slow the spread of the virus.”
San Diego County tallied a record 661 coronavirus cases on Nov. 10. The previous high was 652 on Aug. 7.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL MAP
In light of a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the state moved the county into its more restrictive purple tier earlier this week. Purple tier-related restrictions take effect midnight on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Many nonessential businesses will be required to move to outdoor-only operations. These include restaurants, family entertainment centers, wineries, places of worship, movie theaters, museums, gyms, zoos, aquariums and cardrooms.
The restrictions include closing amusement parks. Bars, breweries and distilleries will be able to remain open as long as they are able to operate outside and with food on the same ticket as alcohol.
Retail businesses and shopping centers will be able to remain open with 25% of the building's capacity. No food courts will be permitted.
Schools will be able to remain open for in-person learning if they are already in session. If a district has not reopened for in-person learning, it must remain remote only. Offices are restricted to remote work.
Remaining open are essential services, personal care services, barbershops, hair salons, outdoor playgrounds and recreational facilities.
The county will stay in the purple tier for at least three weeks before a reevaluation of case rates by the state.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COUNTY MAP
City News Service contributed to this report