BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Butte County has qualified to move 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 and allows certain youth and adult recreational sports to resume with modifications. This change in tiers is effective as of 12:00 am on Wednesday, March 10.

The data requirements to qualify for Tier 2 include a case rate of 4-7 cases per 100,000 residents with a test positivity rate of 5-8%. The current Butte County COVID-19 case rate is 7.3 cases per 100,000 residents with a 3.6% test positivity rate.

While this is an encouraging move in the right direction, the more contagious B117 variant of the Coronavirus has been identified in Butte County. There is evidence that this variant may be more severe. It is vital that we all continue to follow guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and all its variants, including: wearing a mask, washing your hands, keeping distance from others, staying home if you are sick, and getting vaccinated when it is your turn.

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 a Safer Economy: covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

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/

What youth and adult recreational sports can resume in Tier 2?

To understand which outdoor and indoor youth and recreational adult sports may resume with modifications in Tier 2 (red), the public can view the State’s guidance published on February 19, 2021: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/.../outdoor-indoor-recreational...

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