Mendocino County leaves restrictive purple tier

UKIAH » Mendocino County PublicHealthwas alertedtodayby the statelateTuesdayeveningthat the county has officially entered the RedTier, also known as Tier 2.

Moving from Tier 1, or “widespread” COVID-19 community risk status, to the Tier 2 “substantial” risk category allows more businesses to reopen beginning Oct. 28.

“We’ve made a lot of progress to move into the red tier and further reopen our economy,” said Mendocino County CEO Carmel Angelo. “Thank you to our residents for doing their part to slow thespreadofCOVID-19. Ifwecontinue to be proactive and follow the guidance from Public Health, we can continue to reduce transmission and gradually reopen.”

“I amthankful, and cautiously optimistic, that thestate is allowing us to re-open further,” said Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren. “While this is good news, we cannot allowthis to make us believe we are in the clear. Many regions in the country have been experiencing recent spikes in COVID-19, so we all must individually maintain protective measures against this virus.”

In alignment with the state’s Red Tier category, the following industries are now permitted indoors or expanded operations in Mendocino County:

• Restaurantsmay now open indoors with modifications in place, which include facial covering use by all employees and guests (except when eating) as well as socially distanced tables. Each restaurant has amaximum of 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.

• Gymsmaynowopen indoors with modifications, which include facial covering use by all employees and guests, as well as socially distancedmachines and guests. Each gym has a 10 percent maximum capacity.

• Places of worship may now open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people (whichever is less) and withmodifications, which include facial covering use by all in attendance, and social distancing between household units. Additionally, activities like singing and group recitation dramatically increase the risk ofCOVID-19 transmission. Therefore, singing and chanting activities must be discontinued at indoor services, and congregants engaging in group recitation shouldwear facial coverings at all times.

• Retail stores may now have amaximumof50% capacity, and