Virus cases keep falling, more businesses reopen

California’s improving coronavirus numbers continued their downward fall, leading to Tuesday’s announcement that much of the San Francisco Bay Area can reopen to a greater degree and that now 94% of the state’s population is out from under the most severe restrictions.

San Francisco, Marin and Santa Clara counties were among counties moving to less restrictive tiers in the state’s four-level system. The three joined neighboring Santa Mateo County as the latest Bay Area counties to move into California’s “moderate” tier for coronavirus restrictions, meaning restaurants and other businesses can serve more customers.

Higher-risk businesses including bowling alleys and outdoor bars that don’t serve food can reopen.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax said the expanded activities can begin Wednesday. Breed credited swift vaccinations and ongoing safety precautions for the shift.

“This year has been so tough on so many — from our kids and families, to our small businesses and their employees — and this move to the orange tier and reopening more activities and businesses than we have since last March gives us all more hope for the future,” Breed said in a statement.

The three Bay Area counties had been among 42 counties in the red tier under California’s color-coded four-step process. That tier signals a “substantial” threat of spreading the virus. Purple is the most restrictive tier and indicates widespread transmission. Fresno is the only county among the state’s 10 most populous in that category.

Also moving to the moderate tier are Lassen, Trinity and Yolo counties, all in Northern California.

Sierra County joined similarly isolated Alpine County in the least restrictive yellow tier with minimal virus transmission and restrictions. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently said the state is developing a new “green tier” that would end many restrictions altogether.