Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
It will be as of tomorrow, May 12, that San Mateo goes to a "yellow" level, which will allow a multitude of indoor businesses and activities throughout the county to reopen or expand, as the risk of COVID-19 is "minimal."
This was reported by local authorities, who detailed that the change to yellow level is the least restrictive in the state of California, allowing for expanded capacity in restaurants, gyms, cinemas, indoor businesses and a number of other operations.
Bars that do not serve food may reopen with a maximum capacity of 25 percent or 100 people, whichever is less.
This is the first time that the San Mateo County has been at the yellow level since the state unveiled its color-coded plan for a safer economy last summer.
This development comes six weeks before California Governor Gavin Newsom said the entire state could be fully reopened by June 15.
"Moving to yellow is a credit to everyone who has worn their facemasks to stop the spread, and to the 76 percent of us here in San Mateo County who rolled up our sleeves and got the vaccine," said David J. Canepa, chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
The local official noted that this development is also excellent news for the business community in the county.
The change to yellow officially takes effect on Wednesday, at 12:01 am.
This breakthrough was due to the fact that the adjusted COVID-19 case rate has dropped to 1.8 and the test positivity rate is 0.6 percent.
Separately, Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has rescinded his June 17, 2020 order of social distancing guidelines and facial coverage requirements in favor of state guidance.
The measure brings San Mateo County in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health.
Thus, for fully vaccinated persons, they are not required to cover their face when outdoors, except when attending crowded events such as live performances, parades, fairs, festivals, sporting events, or other similar settings.
For unvaccinated persons, the requirement to wear masks at all times continues, especially when physical distance cannot be maintained, including when attending crowded outdoor events.
It should be noted that in indoor environments outside the home, including public transport, face coverings are still required regardless of vaccination status, with certain exceptions.
