BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Butte County has moved from Tier 1 (purple) to a less-restrictive Tier 2 (red) of the State’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a shift that allows more businesses to reopen at reduced capacity. This change in tiers is effective immediately for some business sectors in Butte County. 

Moving into Tier 2 does not allow for the immediate reopening of schools. If Butte County remains in Tier 2 for two weeks, schools may choose to open for in-person instruction. The first possible date for this, if we remain in Tier 2, is Tuesday, October 13th. 

The data requirements to qualify for Tier 2 include a case rate less than 4-7 cases per 100,000 residents with a test positivity rate of 5-8% or less. The current Butte County COVID-19 case rate is 5 cases per 100,000 residents with a 2.6% test positivity rate. 

“While this is an exciting move for Butte County, by reopening more business and allowing for increased indoor operations, we also open ourselves to more COVID-19 exposure,” stated Dr. Robert Bernstein, Butte County Health Officer. “This is not the time to let your guard down. The only defense we have against COVID-19 is by utilizing non-pharmaceutical interventions – cover your mouth and nose when in public places, wash your hands, maintain six feet of distance from others, stay home if you are sick and please do not attend gatherings of any size as defined by the State.”

The California Department of Public Health updated the Gathering Guidance for the Prevention of COVID-19 on September 12, 2020, which replaces the March 16th guidance. The guidance states that “gatherings unless otherwise specified are not permitted across the state of California.”

What business sectors can open in Tier 2?

To understand which business sectors and activities may open indoors with modifications at reduced capacity in Tier 2 (red), the public can visit the State’s Blueprint for activities and business tiers: tinyurl.com/CATierFramework

Businesses should review the State’s COVID-19 industry guidance to ensure that all modifications and mitigation measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus: covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/

For more information about COVID-19 in Butte County, visit: www.buttecounty.net/COVID-19