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As predicted, declining new COVID-19 infections and other metrics will allow Sonoma County to ease pandemic-related restrictions this weekend. KRCB's Marc Albert has our story:
The County will move into the so-called ‘red tier’ from the more restrictive ‘purple tier Sunday.
Perhaps the biggest change will allow schools to reopen, once they’ve published a COVID safety plan online. Restaurants can resume serving meals indoors, but will be limited to 25 percent of capacity, or a maximum of 100 patrons. Movie theaters could reopen under the same general rules.
Lynda Hopkins, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, called the upcoming switch “The ‘most hopeful news our community has received in a long time,” but called on locals not to slack off on mask wearing or maintaining distance from others.
The move to the red tier is made possible by improving numbers locally, along with a change in the state’s criteria for the different levels.
Other changes allow Shops and stores to reopen, but only at 50 percent capacity. Museums, zoos and aquariums can reopen with 25 percent of the maximum number of visitors and gyms at 10 percent.Indoor drinking establishments lacking meal service, will remain shuttered.
According to the county, 12 percent of residents over the age of 16 have been fully vaccinated. About 28 percent have received at least one dose.
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