Kings County Department of Public Health officials announce improved tier status for Kings County

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, April 20, 2021, Kings County was reassigned from the “Substantial” Red Tier to the less restrictive “Moderate” Orange Tier. 

It all means that beginning April 21, 2021, the following sectors may modify their reopening status under the Orange 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 25% capacity + indoor pools
• Hotels and Lodging – Open with modifications and fitness centers at 25% capacity + indoor pools
• Movie Theaters – May open indoors at 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
• Museums, Zoos, & Aquariums – Open indoors; indoor activities at max 50% capacity
• Places of Worship – Open indoors, 55% capacity.
• Restaurants – Open indoors at 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
• Retail – Open indoors with modifications
• Shopping Centers – Open indoors with modifications, closed common areas, and food-court capacity of 50% or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
• Bars, Breweries, Distilleries (where no meal provided) – Open outdoors with modifications.
• Family Entertainment Centers – Indoors with modifications with a max 25% capacity
• Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering – Open indoors with modifications with a max 25%

The following Orange Tier guidance will be effective April 21, 2021:

• Outdoor Live Events with Assigned Seats (e.g., live performances & commencement ceremonies) – Audience max capacity of 33%, weekly worker testing program, in-state visitors only, and indoor concession areas in designated areas (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:

• Hair Salons, Barber Shops, and Nail Salons – Open indoors
• Personal Care Services- 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 are 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.