More indoor offerings allowed in Solano

Solano County has moved into the red tier (2) on the state’s COVID-19 response framework, allowing for more indoor business offerings, California Department of Public Health officials announced Tuesday.

“Solano County has made progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Bela T. Matyas, Solano County health officer in a press statement. “As more businesses reopen, we all need to do our part to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 infection, and our best defense is to continue with the safety protocols — wear a mask,

watch your distance and wash your hands.”

Prior to the move, Solano was listed in Tier 1,considered the state’s most restrictive tier. That purple level is for counties where COVID-19 cases are considered widespread and indoor business operations are either banned or limited, officials said.

Tier 2 allows for more indoor activities and operations, with modifications. According to the state:

• Indoor dining allowed at 25 percent of capacity or 100 people, whichever is less;

• Indoor retail capacity at 50 percent;

• Indoor shopping centers, swap meets at 50 percent of capacity with closed common areas;

• Hair and nail salons, barbershops can open with modifications;

• Museums, zoos and aquariums (can open at 25 percent of capacity;

• Places of worship can open at 25 percent of capacity or 100 people, whichever is less;

• Indoor movie theaters can open at 25 percent of capacity or 100 people, whichever is less

• Indoor gyms and fitness centers can open at 10 percent of capacity.

Meanwhile, officials caution, businesses must still follow state guidelines, review the Solano County Health Order, complete a state COVID-19 general checklist and ensure a written plan is on file and available for public review.

Officials advise that more changes could occur very soon.

Should Solano continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the next three weeks, more businesses and indoor activities may be allowed to reopen.

Should the county’s statistics slide, Solano could be moved back to the most restrictive tier within two weeks.

Also within two weeks, should statistics not increase, K-12 schools could allow classroom-based learning with modifications

County officials also remind the community that free COVID-19 testing for all is available. Same-day appointments are available. Sign up at www.Lhi. Care/CovidTesting or call 888-634-1123.

For more information, visit www.SolanoCounty. com/COVID19 and https:// covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

Or, call the Coronavirus Warmline at784-8988, email COVID19@SolanoCounty.com or visit www. Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH.