September 9, 2020
On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the County of Orange moved from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier as a part of the Governor Newsom’s Blue Print for a Safer Economy. This allows certain business sectors to re-open immediately and businesses to expand their operations with certain restrictions. Additionally, County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau has issued related new Orders and Strong Recommendations, which also include seasonal flu vaccination for certain county residents and visitors. Access the document in its entirely here. A listing of some of the activities and businesses now re-opened and/or expanded today are as follows: Orange County residents may search for a business or activity type by visiting https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and typing in “Orange” in the County field, entering the business or activity type, and clicking, “GET LATEST STATUS.” A new blueprint for business sector re-opening was unveiled by Governor Newsom on August 28, 2020, which includes a color-coded, tiered system that will use two metrics to measure the novel coronavirus: spread rate and test positivity percentage. The tiers are designated by four colors: purple (widespread), red (substantial), orange (moderate) and yellow (minimal with the lowest restrictions). Under the new State monitoring guidelines, Orange County is now the Red Tier, the second-most restrictive tier of all the four tiers in the State. Counties must remain at each tier for a minimum of 21 days. The State’s new website, www.COVID19.ca.gov, will track the metrics, show an interactive map and list business sectors open by each county. The State’s tiers systems are based on two metrics: case rate and the percentage of positive tests. For Orange County to remain in the Red Tier, we will have to report between four to seven COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per day and a positivity rate between five percent to eight percent. “It’s important that Orange County continues to make strides in the right direction,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We know that many are tired of hearing it, but we see the fruits of people wearing face-coverings, social distancing and ensuring proper hygiene. It’s important to continue to do your part.” For the Orange County to transition to the Orange Tier – Tier Three - the County will have to report between 1-3.9 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per day and a positivity rate between 2-4.9 percent for at least two consecutive weeks. This is in addition remaining on the Orange Tier for a minimum of 21 days. The Orange County school waiver process will not be impacted by the Governor’s new system. Schools can re-open on a widespread basis (without a waiver) once a county is in the red tier for at least two weeks. There will then be a 14-day wait for all K-12 schools in Orange County to be eligible for re-opening in-person education, which will put us on track for September 22, 2020. To view the current list of schools that have applied for a waiver and their respective statuses, please click here.
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