East Sierra News

Inyo County issued the following announcement on Nov 4.

Inyo County was notified today that it will stay in the Orange Tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, indicating that the risk level in this county is moderate. This announcement comes after Inyo County Public Health engaged in a data adjudication process with the state to parse the case rate and test positivity rate data.  Inyo County remains close to the metrics that would force the County into a more restrictive tier, and could still move to a more restrictive tier in the coming weeks if our data does not improve.

This week’s tier assignment was based on Inyo County COVID-19 case data for the time period of October 18, 2020 to October 24, 2020. During that timeframe, Inyo County had an absolute number of 13 cases, bringing the county’s case rate to 10.1 per 100,000 population, down from 12.4 per 100,000 the prior week. Inyo was held harmless according to the small county framework, which allows small counties with populations of less than 106,000 to remain in the Orange Tier if they have 14 or fewer cases during the reporting period.

Tier assignments are also based on overall COVID-19 test positivity. For this week’s tier assignment, Inyo County had a test positivity rate of 4.5%, which is in range for the Orange Tier. In order to prevent an increase in local COVID-19 cases, and a potential movement into a more restrictive tier, it will be essential that everyone do their part by continuing to use face coverings, stay home when you are sick, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently.

Orange Tier summary of industry guidelines:

1. Restaurants – 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer, with modifications
2. Bars – Open outdoors with modifications, indoor alcohol can be served with food following restaurant guidelines
3. Personal Care Services – Increased capacity limit as long as modifications can be met
4. Family Entertainment Centers (i.e. Bowling Alley) – Open for naturally distanced activities with modifications      
5. Gyms and Fitness Centers –25% capacity with modifications and indoor pools are allowed to open with modifications
6. Movie Theaters –50% capacity or 200 people whichever is fewer, with modifications
7. All Retail – Increased capacity limit as long as modifications can be met
8. Places of Worship –50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer, with modifications
9. Hotels and Lodging – Fitness centers 25% capacity, and indoor pools open with modifications
10. Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums – 50% capacity with modifications
11. Malls, Destination Centers and Swap Meets – Increased capacity limit as long as modifications can be met; common areas are still closed
12. Offices – Open indoors with modifications, telework is still encouraged

For additional information regarding business impacts, visit the Reopening Inyo Businesses webpage, email businessinfo@inyocounty.us, or call 760-878-8457. For more information on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, visit the CDPH Blueprint for a Safer Economy webpage.

Original source can be found here.