BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Butte County has qualified to move from Tier 2 (red) to a less-restrictive Tier 3 (orange) of the State’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a shift that allows more businesses to reopen and some that are already open to increase capacity. This change in tiers is effective at12:00 am on Wednesday, March 31.

The data requirements to qualify for Tier 3 include a case rate of 1-3.9 cases per 100,000 residents with a test positivity rate of 2 – 4.9% or less. The current Butte County COVID19 case rate is 3.8 cases per 100,000 residents with a 2.3% test positivity rate.

Moving to the Orange Tier is a hopeful sign. However, many of the activities allowed in this less restrictive tier remain high risk. To continue to prevent cases and reduce hospitalizations, it is important to continue wearing a mask, washing your hands, keeping your distance from others, staying home if you are sick, and getting vaccinated when it is your turn. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines in Butte County, visit: www.ButteCounty.net/COVIDVaccine

What business sectors can open in Tier 3?
Indoor dining at maximum 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer; Retail stores indoors with modifications; Gyms and fitness centers indoors at maximum 25% capacity, with indoor pools open;

• Movie theaters at maximum 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer;

• Family entertainment centers indoors at maximum 25% capacity with modifications for areas of increased risk of proximity;

• Zoos, museums, and aquariums at 50% maximum indoor capacity;

• Places of Worship indoors at maximum 50% capacity with modifications;

• Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries indoors at maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer;

• Bars where no meal is provided, outdoors with modifications;

• Offices indoors with modifications – telework encouraged

To understand which business sectors and activities may open indoors with modifications at reduced capacity in Tier 3 (orange), 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/

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