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Alameda County Advances to State’s Red Tier, Prompting More Allowed Activities

Today, Alameda County advanced to the Red Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening framework. City Reminds Businesses that Flex Street Initiative has Streamlined Permitting for Use of Public Rights-of-Way

Oakland, CA – Today, Alameda County advanced to the Red Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening framework. In the Red Tier, indoor dining is allowed at 25% capacity; most retail store capacity increases to 50%; grocery stores at full capacity; and gyms, fitness centers and yoga studios may operate indoors at 10% capacity with modifications. Movie Theaters may open indoors with 25% maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Hair Salons, Barbershops and Personal Care Services may continue to operate indoors with modifications. For the full roster of activities, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and enter Alameda in the search field. The changes in allowed activities take effect on Wednesday, March 10.

The cultural sector also has more allowed activity. Dance studios can open with 10% capacity. Music, film and TV production continues with modifications. Museums and cultural ceremonies may open indoors at 25% capacity with modifications. Per state guidance, singing is not permitted indoors. See below for allowed limited outdoor live performances starting on April 1.

The following activities remain restricted in the Red Tier and are not allowed by the State to operate :

  • • Festivals
  • • Indoor playgrounds (bounce centers/ball pits/laser tag)
  • • Nightclubs
  • • Bars, Breweries and Distilleries (where no meals are provided). Where meals are provided, follow guidance for Restaurants.

Wineries and family entertainment centers can only operate outdoors with modifications. Hotels and lodging may now open their fitness centers at 10% capacity.

Small and time-limited private gatherings among no more than three household are now permitted indoors under State guidance, but outdoors is still strongly encouraged. Masks and physical distancing are still required for these gatherings, and anyone who is experiencing symptoms must not attend. Per state guidance, singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising are strongly discouraged and not permitted indoors. Those at high risk of severe illness are strongly encouraged not to attend. Large gatherings are still prohibited.

Activities eligible to start on April 1:

  • Outdoor sports and live performances with fans/attendees: In the Red Tier, capacity will be limited to 20% and advanced reservations only. Concession sales will be primarily in-seat (no concourse sales). Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors.
  • Amusement parks: In the Red Tier, capacity will be limited to 15% and online ticket purchases only. Small groups with a maximum of 10 people or 3 household groups may attend together, but with no intergroup mixing. Indoor dining will not be permitted. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors.

Oakland businesses that wish to expand operations outdoors to comply with the State’s guidance should look to the City’s Flex Street Initiative. All fees have been waived and permitting has been streamlined for business’ use of the public rights-of-way, including sidewalk, parking lane and roadway encroachments. Businesses expanding operations to private parking lots and other private outdoor areas will also benefit from streamlined permitting processes at oaklandca.gov/flexstreets. Since launching in June, more than 100 businesses have received permits through Flex Streets.

The Oakland Public Library will release details on its reopening plans soon. Computer labs at select locations will be the first to be made available. Sidewalk Service will continue until limited indoor operations, “OPL Express,” is launched at a date to be determined.

Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) is crafting plans to open outdoor pools, which are allowed to reopen in the Red Tier, within current budget restraints. Indoor pools remain closed under the State’s reopening blueprint.

OPRYD reminds Oaklanders that the State and County have lifted restrictions and playground use is allowed. Oakland playgrounds are “Use At Your Own Risk.”

For the City’s Parks, Open Space and Restrooms, their regular opening and closure schedules remain in effect. Download park hours here.

All OPRYD rental facilities will remain closed per the Alameda County Order. Applications for future events and gatherings will be accepted, but permits will not be issued until the Alameda County Order is lifted.

OPRYD intends on opening the following athletic fields in the next few weeks. For more information on renting one of these fields, please contact Frederick Morris at fmorris@oakalndca.gov.

  • Bushrod Field
  • Caldecott Field
  • Curt Flood Field
  • Greenman Field
  • Lowell Field
  • Oak Port Field
  • Otis Spunkmeyer Field
  • Owens Jones Field
  • Raimondi Field

OPRYD continues to provide safe childcare services meeting County Health guidelines. Register for Town Enrichment and Summer Town Camp at https://cityofoakland.perfectmind.com or search activities at: https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/search-the-catalog-of-parks-and-recreation-activities-programs-and-classes

COVID-19 caseloads remain at a substantial level in Alameda County, and all Oaklanders are reminded to follow the 5 Ws to stay safer:

  • Wear a mask,
  • Wash your hands,
  • Watch your distance,
  • Wait to see loved ones,
  • When it’s your turn, get vaccinated.

Be sure to register to get notified when it’s your turn to receive the vaccine.

Get tested. Free, confidential #COVID19 testing is available to everyone that needs it. Protect the ones you love. Find a testing site near you.

The State’s guidance and reopening plan are available in multiple languages at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID19MultilingualDocuments.aspx

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Posted: March 9th, 2021 1:46 PM

Last Updated: March 9th, 2021 2:01 PM

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