State Moves County Into Next Reopening Tier. Theatres Can Open, Indoor Dining OK.

The California website ‘Blueprint for a Safer Economy‘ just updated Tuesday morning showing Fresno County has met the metrics to move into the ‘red’ tier from the more restrictive ‘purple” tier.

Additionally, the state announced that all children’s playgrounds across the state have been reopened.

Under state guidelines, restaurants can open indoors with modifications at a maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

Movie theaters can open indoors with modifications at a maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

Estheticians can open indoors with modifications.

Houses of worship can open indoors with modifications at a maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

Massage therapy studios can open indoors with modifications.

Tattoo parlors can open indoors with modifications.

Body waxing studios can open indoors with modifications.

Gyms and fitness centers can open indoors with modifications at a maximum 10% capacity.

Dance studios can open indoors with modifications at a maximum 10% capacity.

All retail can open indoors with a maximum 50% capacity.

Shopping centers (malls, destination centers, swap meets) can open indoors with a maximum 50% capacity with closed common areas and reduced capacity food courts.

Though local officials can impose stricter requirements, there has been no indication Fresno County or city leaders are planning to do so.  The Fresno County health department has scheduled a media update for 2 p.m. today.

Schools may not reopen fully for in-person instruction until the county has been in the Substantial (Red) Tier for two weeks. That would make the date of October 13th (two weeks from today) an important mile marker for Fresno County schools and health officials to start implementing reopening plans.

California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly highlights several counties allowed to move into the next tier. Fresno is one of them. (Courtesy/CHHS Youtube)

City of Fresno Statement

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand’s office issued a joint statement with the city council Tuesday morning shortly after the state updated its tier designation website.

“The City of Fresno will be working with our local businesses to open safely, following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health guidelines,” the statement said. “Code Enforcement will continue to focus its resources on educating our businesses to protect the public health and will reserve penalties for egregious violators not following health guidelines.”

Fresno County Department of Public Health

“While some indoor services will now be permitted at a limited capacity, the FCDPH reminds everyone that because COVID is a respiratory pathogen, the absolute safest way to spend time out of your home is to be outdoors whenever the temperature and air quality permit. This applies whether we are dining, meeting with friends, having a play date at the now reopened children’s playgrounds across the state, or getting exercise,” the county’s statement said.

“Simply put, people will be safer, and businesses will be stronger when multiple barriers separate individuals from catching the virus. This means that all residents need to limit activity in groups, and businesses need to comply with capacity limits,” said interim health officer Dr. Rais Vohra.

(This is a developing story and will be updated.)