Alameda County announced that the county will advance to the Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening framework effective Wednesday, June 9. In the Yellow Tier, indoor dining is allowed at 50% capacity; most retail store capacity increases to 100%; and gyms, fitness centers and yoga studios may operate indoors at 50% capacity with modifications; and movie theaters’ capacity increases to 50%. Bars, where no meals are served, may open indoors at 25% capacity. For the full roster of activities, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and enter Alameda in the search field.

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

• Festivals
• Nightclubs

 Businesses may want to use this week to plan for the broad reopening that the State will allow starting June 15. Wednesday through June 14, businesses and activities permitted to open or expand under the State’s Yellow Tier must continue to comply with the State’s Industry Guidance for that tier: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/. Additional workplace resources can be found at https://covid-19.acgov.org/recovery  and https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/coronavirus-2019-covid-19-business-and-worker-resources

All workplaces governed by Cal/OSHA must follow their current standards and the updated standards starting June 15, including masking requirements for employees.

 To help residents and employers understand changing COVID-19 guidance and what moving Beyond the Blueprint means for them, employees, and clients and customers, Alameda County is hosting two Community Updates:

• For Residents
  June 15, from 6-7:30 pm
• For Employers
  June 21, from 6-7:30 pm
  This Community Update will include an overview of Cal/OSHA’s updated standardsso the appropriate steps can be taken to ensure a safe work environment after June 15.

To learn more about the updates, visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/beyond-the-blueprint. The livestream for both Community Updates will be available on YouTube and recordings will be available after the events.

Alameda County continues to encourage anyone 12 and older to get vaccinated. The decline in cases and mortality shows that the best protection against COVID-19 is vaccination. All currently available vaccines are safe, effective, free, and widely available. When you are ready, get vaccinated. If you missed your second dose, you should still complete your vaccination series. Visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines.page?#availability to learn where you can find a vaccination clinic near you.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, get tested and then stay home. Wash your hands regularly.

Keep six feet of distance when you are in public or don’t know the vaccination status of those around you.

Alameda County remains aligned with the State’s face-masking mandate. Everyone should wear a mask in indoor public settings, even if fully vaccinated, until State masking guidance changes. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask in outdoor crowded settings. If you are unvaccinated continue to wear a mask outdoors any time physical distancing can’t be maintained. Keep it simple: if you don’t know the vaccination status of those around you, wear a mask.

With Alameda County’s movement to the Yellow Tier, the City of Oakland’s Emergency Grocery Worker Hazard Pay sunsets.

In the coming days, the City of Oakland will distribute more information on its planned, phased reopening.

Karen Boyd is the citywide communications director for the City of Oakland.

Christy Price

Posts by Christy Price