The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that local data from COVID-19 places Humboldt County at the “Red” or Substantial level under the state’s “Safer Economy” project.
The adjusted case rate of 12.1 and the positivity rate of 4.0% do not meet the limit for layer reassignment. However, the county met the state’s Health Equity Metric, which aims to reduce disparities by ensuring that no group within a county is disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Under the Red level, Humboldt will be the only county in the state authorized to have indoor meetings, cinemas, health clubs, places of worship and dinners. Local businesses, especially restaurants and cafes, are encouraged to proceed with caution. If virus data worsens or the intensive care unit’s capacity for the Northern California region drops below 15%, the state will require some sectors to move out or stop operating altogether.
Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman noted a strong disagreement with the CDPH methodology and said he believed the status of the red level could be reversed in the coming days. “In many ways, the data does not support that decision,” he said. “Our case rates are the highest ever, and our contact investigation teams are tracking more cases, not less. It is a pity that we did not have a conversation with the state before that decision was made. ”
Public Health Director Michele Stephens said that while some companies may reopen, this is not a victory, but a cautionary tale. “This is not the time to let your guard down,” she said. “Our entire community, including our companies, must continue to follow COVID’s preventive measures. Wear a mask. Keep your distance. Wash the hands. As more people are moving into our community, these measures become even more important. ”
Some of the changes in industry operations at the Red level include:
- Bars, Breweries and Distilleries – Closed.
- Wineries – Open only outdoors.
- Family entertainment centers – Open only outdoors.
- Retail – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 50%.
- Shopping centers, malls, exchange meetings – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 50%; Close common areas; Reduce the capacity of the food court to 25% or 100 people, whichever is less.
- Museums, zoos and aquariums – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 25%.
- Places of worship – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is less.
- Movie theaters – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is less.
- Hotels and Lodging – Close covered pools, hot tubs and spa; Fitness centers with a maximum capacity of 10%.
- Gyms and fitness centers – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 10%; Close indoor swimming pools, dry and steam saunas, hot tubs.
- Restaurants – Open indoors with a maximum capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is less.
The level change will take effect one minute after midnight tonight.
For more information on the “Project for a safer economy,” visit covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.
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.