The change on Sunday comes after the state has reached its limit of 2 million vaccines administered to people in vulnerable and hard-hit communities.
“We expected it – it is almost anticlimactic at this point, but it is a step forward. It gives people the relief they have been waiting for,” said Orange County supervisor Doug Chaffee.
The red layer allows many more businesses and organizations to reopen. For example, retail stores can now allow half capacity instead of 25%, and museums, zoos and aquariums could reopen for indoor activities at 25% capacity, as well as cinemas and restaurants. Meanwhile, gyms can operate indoors with 10% capacity.
Wineries, breweries and distilleries can only reopen for outdoor business.
San Bernardino County moving to the red layer
Catrina Café in Seal Beach was just a business that got customers back on Sunday morning.
Craig Lyon, the owner of the establishment, said that loosening these restrictions is what so many people need.
“It’s a bright spot in the future,” said cafe owner Craig Lyon. “This is the beginning, you know. We are finally going where we need to go, everything is great. People are getting healthier, they are getting their vaccines … I think companies will feel better, our customers will feel better, everyone is feeling better. “
Orange County CEO Frank Kim said he was “excited” about the move to the red level, but he also cautioned residents to keep their guard off.
“People should be careful and I think most people in Orange County are smart enough to assess their level of comfort and safety,” he said. “For me, I intend to visit my mother and have a meal with her, which will be great.”
The move to the red level will also allow the theme parks to reopen as early as April 1 – including Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles County – with 15% capacity, with visitors in the state only.
Disneyland earlier this week said it plans to welcome visitors back by the end of April.
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Los Angeles County also moved to the red level on Sunday, although companies will not open until Monday.
Riverside and Ventura counties, in turn, are expected to move from the more restrictive purple level to red on Tuesday, with companies opening their doors on Wednesday.
The City News Service contributed to this report.
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