With new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surging across California, the state has placed several counties, including Contra Costa, back into the purple tier, meaning there is widespread risk of community transmission in our region.
The adjusted average daily number of new cases in Contra Costa has doubled in recent weeks, rising from 4.3 per 100,000 population on Oct. 16 to 9.2 on Nov. 16.
Local changes caused by the state's action include:
- Social gatherings involving people from different households are permitted outdoors only, with a maximum of three households and 25 people, preferably for less than two hours.
- K-12 schools may not reopen for in-person instruction unless they have already begun to do so.
- Worship services and cultural ceremonies must now be held outdoors only.
- Higher education institutions must move indoor lectures and student gatherings outdoors only.
- Movie theaters may operate outdoors only.
- Museums and exhibit spaces may open outdoors only.
As noted in its update on Nov. 13, the County has ordered restaurants and gyms to cease its indoor operations, effective Nov. 17.
To prevent unnecessary illness and death in our community, Contra Costa Health Services urges residents to take the safety requirements seriously and consider what we can all do to reduce the risk of infection to ourselves and our families – such as wearing face coverings.
Read the full press release.
See the full chart of currently allowable activities: