County Moved into Orange Tier on April 7

Life in San Bernardino County is getting back to normal, with officials reporting the County has moved from the Red Tier into the less restrictive Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. A variety of institutions and businesses may now open to 50% capacity — a notable increase from the Red Tier’s limit of 25%. And some businesses, like bars and bowling alleys, can now reopen for the first time in over a year.

Any bar in San Bernardino County may now open for outdoor service. Movie theaters, museums, and restaurants may double the number of guests allowed inside.

Wineries and breweries can allow patrons to enjoy their beverages indoors. And outdoor stadiums can open at 33% capacity.

The Orange Tier means the spread of COVID-19 has now reduced to a moderate level, as the number of cases continues to decline. As of Monday, the County’s daily adjusted rate was 3.4 per 100,000.

“This is a great day for county residents, the vast majority of whom have faithfully followed public health guidelines and patiently waited for a chance to get back to their regular lives,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “This, combined with our successful vaccination efforts, means we are on track for a great summer ahead.”

Hagman said that the county’s key COVID-19 metrics, ranging from its case rate to positivity and health equity positivity rates, have continued to decline, while the number of residents vaccinated against COVID-19 increases daily.

“To put things in perspective, we had 38 new cases of COVID-19 on April 2, compared to 5,315 cases on January 4,” said Hagman. “This is a testament to diligence of residents who have been careful to wear face coverings, maintain physical distancing, and follow the other guidelines we’ve been promoting for the the past year.

“With our supply of vaccines increasing, we’re confident this progress will continue to accelerate,” Hagman continued.

The following is allowed under the new Orange Tier, all with modifications. For a complete listing of what can open in the tier and with specific capacity and modifications, see this updated activity tier from the California Department of Public Health. 

• Retailers, malls, and grocery stores can operate at 100% capacity with modifications
• Museums, zoos and aquariums can open indoors at 50% capacity
• Movie theaters can now open with 50% capacity or 100 people
• Hotels can now open their indoor pools, and fitness centers at 25% capacity
• Gyms can now be at 25% capacity, including climbing walls and indoor pools
• Restaurants can open indoors at 50% capacity or 200 people (whichever is fewer)
• Wineries, breweries and distilleries can open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
• Bars may serve customers outdoors (regardless if serving food)
• Family entertainment centers can open indoors at 25% capacity for naturally distanced activities like bowling and rock-climbing walls
• While telework is still encouraged for non-essential offices, they can reopen in-person staffing
• Outdoor professional sports stadiums can have audiences up to 33% capacity (up from 20%)
• Theme parks may reopen at 25% capacity

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