California health officials have announced changes to the state's reopening plan that will allow certain indoor activities to resume at limited capacity, including concerts, sporting events, conferences and theater performances.
"Today's update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of COVID-19," read a statement from Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's Health and Human Services secretary. "By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk."
After a more than one year ban on most indoor events, the California officials announced Friday rule changes that would allow indoor operations to resume with strict capacity limits starting on Thursday, April 15. Most of California's 58 counties, including San Diego, will be able to allow indoor events with capacity limits and modifications including physical distancing, advance ticket purchases, designated areas for eating and drinking, and attendance limited to in-state visitors, according to California's public health announcement.
Counties in California's red tier can permit venues of up to 1,500 people to operate at 10% capacity and grow to 25% if all guests provide evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Venues of 1,501 people or more can operate at 20% capacity in the red tier, but guests must show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test. Capacity increases for less restrictive orange and yellow tiers.
For venues of up to 1,500 people, in the orange tier, capacity is limited to 15% or 200 people, but it increases to 35% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In the yellow tier, capacity in limited to 25% or 300 people, but it increases to 50% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. For larger venues, in the orange tier, capacity is limited to 10% or 2,000 people, but it increases to 35% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In the yellow tier, capacity is limited to 10% or 2,000 people, and it increases to 50% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. Under new rules, only California residents are permitted to attend live performances.
San Diego County is currently in California's 2nd most restrictive red tier but may be moved into the orange tier as early as April 7.
