Kings County health officials announce improved Blueprint Tier change for Kings County

California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework determines which industries and businesses may open based on the county’s current risk tier status. The framework lays out the measures that each county must meet, based on indicators that capture disease burden, testing, health equity, and Statewide vaccination rates.

On Tuesday, March 30, Kings County was reassigned from the “Widespread” Purple Tier to the less restrictive “Substantial” Red Tier. 

State and county officials say that beginning March 31, the following sectors may modify their reopening status in accordance with the Red Tier assignment, provided they modify business practices to align with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) industry guidance:

• Gyms and Fitness Centers – Open indoors at 10% capacity + climbing walls
• Hotels and Lodging – Open with modifications and fitness centers at 10% capacity
• Movie Theaters – May open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Museums, Zoos, & Aquariums – Open indoors; indoor activities at max 25% capacity
• Personal Care Services – Open indoors
• Places of Worship – Open indoors, 25% capacity
• Restaurants – Open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Retail – Open indoors at 50% capacity
• Shopping Centers – Open indoors at 50% capacity, closed common areas, and food-court capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is fewer

The following Red Tier guidance will be effective April 1, 2020:

• Outdoor Live Events with Assigned Seats (e.g., live performances & commencement ceremonies) – Audience max capacity of 20%, weekly worker testing program, in-state visitors only with advanced reservations only, primarily in-seat concessions (no concourse sales)

All sectors are required to follow industry-specific guidance on health and safety precautions.  For a detailed description of the required modifications in each sector, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/. For detailed information about Kings County’s current status and what businesses can open, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ type “Kings” in the Find County field and click “Get Latest Status.” 

The reopening status of the following sectors has not changed with the current Tier assignment:

• Bars, Breweries, Distilleries (where no meal provided) – Closed. For bars providing food, follow restaurant opening status limitations.
• Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering – Outdoors only
• Family Entertainment Centers – Outdoors only
• Hair Salons, Barber Shops, and Nail Salons – Open indoors

To remain on the path of reopening and minimize the spread of COVID-19, please remember to continue daily prevention practices that help slow the spread:

• Get vaccinated when you’re eligible.  Appointments available at most local pharmacies and via https://myturn.ca.gov/
• Wear a mask in public and when visiting with people outside your household.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer when a sink is not available.
• Avoid large gatherings - small groups are generally safer than large groups, e.g., 3 households or less.
• Avoid confined spaces, especially those with poor ventilation - outdoors are generally safer than indoors.