UPDATED 2:30 p.m. January 25, 2021
California state health officials have lifted the December 3, 2020 Regional Stay Home Order. That means reopening plans for each county will revert back to the color-coded, multi-tiered system that has been in effect since July. The move returns 54 of the state’s 58 counties to the “widespread” or “purple” tier. Significantly, under the “widespread” tier, outdoor dining can resume. Hair and nail salons can also reopen. Gatherings with members from different households are no longer prohibited. However, local county officials can impose more stringent restrictions than the state. LA County officials had shut down outdoor dining weeks before the statewide Regional Stay Home Order. While the current LA County restrictions are set to lift with the removal of the Regional Stay Home Order, it is possible that officials will issue a new order with clarity on restrictions for the county. San Francisco County’s Shelter-in-Place Order similarly provides that it will remain in effect only until the expiration of the state’s regional stay-at-home order. Accordingly, expect local guidance in short-order.
UPDATE:
LA County will issue a new order to open outdoor dining on Friday, January 29, 2021. In the interim, the County has reinstated its November 25, 2020 Order. Specifically, indoor shopping and salons may reopen at 25% capacity. Outdoor operations are permitted for family entertainment centers, zoos, museums, aquariums, and fitness facilities. Private gatherings must be outdoors and are limited to 3 households and a total of 15 people.
The City of San Francisco has announced the reopening of outdoor dining and salons, commencing Thursday January 28, 2021. The relaxed restrictions will also allow outdoor museums, zoos and outdoor entertainment such as skate parks and golf courses to reopen. Limited one-on-one indoor fitness and indoor funerals for up to 12 people will be permitted. The City will announce increased capacity restrictions for grocery stores. Private gatherings must be outdoors and are limited to 3 households and a total of 12 people.
We expect additional County and City-specific guidance to trickle out over the course of the week through the state, so stay tuned to your local public health officials for updated news.