Yesterday the State announced that Alameda County has met the requirements to move to the Orange Tier, and effective today, March 31, activities and businesses permitted in the Orange Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy may resume operation.

Businesses and activities permitted to open, with capacity restrictions and modifications, include the following:

• Bars: Outdoors with modifications, no meals required to be served
• Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries: Indoors at 25 percent maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer; No meals required to be served
• Family entertainment centers: Indoors for naturally distanced activities like bowling, escape rooms, and billiards; 25 percent maximum capacity
• Gyms, fitness centers and studios (including at hotels): 25 percent maximum capacity and indoor pools are permitted; Indoor hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms continue to be closed
• Movie Theaters: 50 percent maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
• Museums, Zoos and Aquariums: 50 percent maximum capacity
• Offices: Indoors with modifications and remote work (telework) is strongly encouraged
• Places of worship: 50 percent maximum capacity
• Restaurants: 50 percent maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
• Retail: Open indoors with modifications and food courts permitted with indoor dining restrictions

Activities eligible to start on April 1:

• Outdoor sports and live performances with fans/attendees: In the Orange Tier, capacity will be limited to 33 percent and with advanced reservations only. Concession sales will be primarily in-seat (no concourse sales). Designated indoor seated dining area capacity will be limited to 25 percent. Attendance will be limited to in-state spectators and guests must attest their reserved seats are only for one household.
• Amusement parks: In the Orange Tier, overall park capacity and indoor capacity will be limited to 25 percent, including indoor dining. Small groups with a maximum of 3 household groups may attend together. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors. Walk up ticket sales will be permitted, but park operators must collect name and contact information of the ticket purchases for necessary contract tracing.

Alameda County must remain in the Orange Tier for at least three weeks before moving into the next, less restrictive color tier (Yellow Tier) even though metrics might warrant. 

The pandemic is not over. Please continue to take precautions to protect against COVID-19 by wearing masks, watching your distance, frequent hand washing, limiting mixing with people from different households, and getting vaccinated.

For more information including the State’s Industry Guidance, workplace resources, and resources for Alameda County workers visit the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Public Health Department website.