As recall looms, governor eases shutdown rules

Marinscope

As Marin and Bay Area counties continue to show progress in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, California rule makers articulated a rosy outlook last week in a press conference in which it was said that the old color-coded reopening plan may be retired. 

The optimism comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a looming recall election based largely on his restrictive approach to the pandemic.

“We said we would reopen the economy as soon as it was safe to do so,” said Economic Advisor Dee Dee Myers last Friday. At the conference, Myers said that details on a “green” tier would be coming soon that would allow a virtual return to normal activities and life.

No Bay Area county remains in the most restrictive tier of Purple. It is expected that all Bay Area counties — save Sonoma — will move to the Orange Tier shortly. Marin and San Francisco are already in the Orange Tier and poised to move to the Yellow Tier. 

Sonoma had been stuck in Purple for six months, but is now in Red and may soon go to Orange. 

The progress coupled with the state’s revisions of the tier system would allow wineries to open indoor tasting rooms and bars, and music and sports venues could open outdoors with limits. 

Over the last 14 days in Marin, there has been no increase in hospitalizations due to coronavirus. There have also been no new deaths. Total vaccinations have reached 126,453.

Marin Health Department statistics show that of the 175 people who have died in Marin of COVID-19, 72.1% were white, 16.3% were Hispanic, 5.2% were Asian and 4.1% were Black.

One of the eased restrictions announced last Friday gives guidance on conferences, meetings and receptions. Also, greater capacity will be allowed with measures such as purchased ticketing, defined guest lists and assigned seating. 

In the Purple Tier, outdoor events can include up to 25 people, and up to 100 if they’re tested or vaccinated; Red Tier, that goes to 50 people, or up to 200 outdoors and 100 indoors if tested and vaccinated; in the orange tier, the numbers go to 100 people, and up to 300 outdoors and 150 indoors if tested or vaccinated; in the Yellow Tier the numbers increase to 200 people, or 400 outdoors and 200 indoors if tested and vaccinated.