Alpine County's increasing COVID-19 cases moves them into the Orange Tier

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The smallest county in the state has now moved from from the yellow tier to the orange tier of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Alpine County has experienced a large increase in COVID-19 cases so the Dr. Richard Johnson, the county's health officer had anticipated the move.

The orange, or moderate tier, adds restrictions to businesses in the area with only 1,200 residents. Their new cases equal 115.1 cases per 100,000. To date there have been 42 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alpine County, most of those coming in the last 30 days. Two people are currently hospitalized.

What does this change mean for Alpine County?

Bars that don't serve food - Can open outdoors only with modifications
Churches - Can open indoors with modifications– Max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
Grocery stores - Can open with modifications
Offices (non-essential businesses)- Can open indoors with modifications – Encourage working remotely
Restaurants (dine-in) - Can open indoors with modifications – Max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer

For a full list of requirements, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and input the county name where prompted.

"As we approach this Thanksgiving weekend, I trust you will make wise decisions in
order to protect your household and community," said Dr. Johnson. He shared the following link (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2659040840979818) to show the price on family paid "by not making good choices."

No county in California is still in the "minimal" tier.