On Tuesday, September 8, the County of Orange announced the movement to the Substantial or Red Tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy – the color tier system which aims at reducing COVID-19 in the state by loosening and tightening restrictions on activities. 

In addition to the reopening that occurred under the Widespread or Purple tier, effective September 8 the following business sectors may open or amend their operations as listed below: 

All Retail (including critical infrastructure, except standalone grocers) 

  • Open indoors with modifications 
  • Maximum 50% capacity 

Shopping Centers (Malls, Destinations Centers, Swap Meets) 

  • Open indoor with modifications 
  • Maximum 50% capacity 
  • Closed common areas 
  • Reduced capacity food courts (see restaurants below) 

Personal Care Services 

  • Open indoors with modifications 

Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums 

  • Open indoors with modifications 
  • Indoor activities maximum 25% capacity 

Places of Worship 

  • Open indoors with modifications 
  • Maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer 

Movie Theaters 

  • Open indoors with modifications 
  • Maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer 

Hotels and lodging 

  • Open with modifications 
  • Fitness centers (+10%) 

Gyms and Fitness Centers 

  • Open indoors with modifications 
  • Maximum 10% capacity 

Restaurants 

  • Open indoors with modifications 
  • Maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer 

Orange County must meet the metric criteria for the next two straight weeks, and wait the mandatory 21-day period before potentially advancing to the next lower tier, the Moderate or Orange Tier. Reopening metrics are based on cases per 100,000 residents and positive COVID-19 test results per 100,000 tests. 

Additionally, assessments of the numbers will take place weekly, and counties are only permitted to advance one tier at a time. Schools may reopen for in-person instruction on September 22.  

For more information, visit the State’s COVID-19 website at covid19.ca.gov.