El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe make move into orange tier; State plans on June 15 reopening

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As expected, or at least hoped, South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County will make the move into the orange/moderate tier of the state's reopening plans on April 7. Sixteen counties will be moving to less restrictive tiers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement Tuesday during a press conference from San Francisco.

He also announced a plan to fully reopen California's economy on June 15 if current COVID-19 trends hold. If the state keeps the pace the colored tiers will be going away and moving "past the dimmer switch." Newsom said ongoing vigilance including mask wearing will continue to be important. What "fully open" on June 15 means is not quite clear yet, but Newsom did say "everyday activities" will be allowed to resume and businesses can reopen with "common-sense risk reduction measures," such as wearing masks.

The California Roadmap to Recovery's colored tiers have been in place for 31 weeks.

"We are seeing the bright light at the end of the tunnel," said Newsom.

As of Monday, April 5, El Dorado County has had 9,514 cases of COVID-19 with 2,519 of those in the Lake Tahoe area (including South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Strawberry, and Tahoma). All three measured criteria was in the orange tier: adjusted case rate 4.4, positivity rate 2.5 percent and health equity quartile positivity rate of 2.9 percent.

Overall the state's COVID-19 infection rates have dropped and almost 19.5 million Californians have been vaccinated as of Monday, or about 350,000 a day. 33.2 percent of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccines. Experts say about 85 percent of Americans will need to be vaccinated to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control.

Alpine and Mono counties lead the state with the percentage of residents who are vaccinated (90.24 percent and 80.59 percent respectively). Together they have just over 12,000 residents. According to California Public Health, 91,992 doses have been given to El Dorado County residents, or 49.28 percent of residents getting at least one dose.

In the orange tier, many indoor businesses may open with up to 50 percent capacity. Bars, professional sports and theme parks can operate outdoors. Live theater and night clubs are still closed.

Bowling alleys - Can open indoors for naturally distanced activities, with modifications, – Max 25% capacity

Campgrounds - Can open with modifications

Dance studios - Can open indoors with modifications - Max 25% capacity

Gyms and fitness centers - Can open indoors with modifications - – Max 25% capacity

Movie theaters - Can open indoors with modifications – Max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer

Museums - Can open indoors with modifications. Indoor activities max 50% capacity

Outdoor playgrounds and recreation - Can open with modifications

Restaurants (dine-in) - Can open indoors with modifications – Max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer

Small private gatherings - Are allowed outdoors and indoors with modifications
– Masks and physical distancing required
– No more than 3 separate households attend (including the host’s)
– Gatherings should be 2 hours or less
– Those with symptoms must not attend
– Those at high risk of severe illness strongly encouraged not to attend
– Singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising strongly discouraged outdoors and not permitted indoors

Weddings - Indoor ceremonies permitted with modifications. Outdoor and indoor receptions permitted for up to three households, including host and guests. Indoor receptions are strongly discouraged. – Max 50% capacity

For a full list, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.