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County health officials were taken by surprise two weeks ago when the state moved Humboldt County to a less restrictive COVID level. During those two weeks, we were the only county in California to be on a sub-purple level and not be affected by a regional home order. We were the only county in California that allowed meals at indoor restaurants.
The locals at the time warned that we probably wouldn’t be in the red zone for long, due to our rising case rates, and this afternoon it happened: The state’s Department of Public Health relocated us to the most restrictive level – purple. The old restrictions that existed a few weeks ago will be reinstated at 11:59 pm tomorrow.
Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:
The California Department of Public Health announced today that Humboldt County will be moved to “Purple” or generalized, reinforcing COVID-19 security measures as the case may be and positivity rates continue to rise.
Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman said the adjusted case rate of 25.2 and the positivity rate of 6.5% are well above the criteria for the purple layer. “This change in state reflects what we saw last month, with the virus getting worse locally,” he said.
These measures are aimed at reducing movement in the community in an effort to limit contacts between people who would not normally see each other. In the purple layer, some sectors of the industry will have to modify or interrupt business operations. In addition to changes in the sector, meetings will be allowed only outdoors and should be limited to three families, also maintaining distance and using facial coverings at all times.
Changes to the purple layer include:
- Bars, Breweries and Distilleries – Closed.
- Wineries – Open only outdoors.
- Family entertainment centers – Open only outdoors.
- Retail – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 25%.
- Shopping centers, malls, exchange meetings – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 25%; Close common areas; Close food courts.
- Museums, zoos and aquariums – Open only outdoors.
- Places of worship – Open only outdoors.
- Movie theaters – Open only outdoors.
- Hotels and Lodging – Close the indoor pools, hot tubs, spa and gym.
- Gyms and fitness centers – Open only outdoors.
- Restaurants – Open only outdoors.
Dr. Hoffman said of the move to the purple level: “This pandemic has hit us all hard, especially families with school children, our elderly and the business community. Going back to the purple layer, although it is expected, will certainly have impacts on everyone. I encourage everyone to contact their loved ones to safely support and remind local businesses the next time you shop. We can overcome this pandemic by supporting each other ”.
The changes in the purple level take effect on Wednesday at 11:59 pm. For a complete list of changes, go to https://tinyurl.com/statetierchanges.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours, by contacting [email protected] or by calling 707-441-5000.