State officials announced on Tuesday, April 6 that San Joaquin County is now within the lower, Red Tier of reopening under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Due to declining COVID case metrics and increased vaccination efforts, San Joaquin County has moved from the Widespread Risk Level – Purple Tier into the less-restrictive Substantial Risk Level – Red Tier.

The ‘substantial’ red tier status means that just four to seven new coronavirus cases are being reported daily per 100,000 residents. Some non-essential indoor business operations remain closed but red tier does allow for more flexibility and less restriction.

As of Tuesday afternoon, April 6 there were a total of 70,465 COVID cases reported for San Joaquin County, with 1,325 total deaths. There have been 67,806 recovered cases, more than a 96 percent recovery rate.

Escalon, with a population of 7,478 has had 698 reported COVID cases and eight deaths due to the virus.

The latest numbers for the COVID-19 Vaccine Update sow 187,145 total doses received in San Joaquin County, with 149,632 total does distributed to healthcare providers.

Free COVID testing is available at many locations and vaccination sites have now been opened to all those 16 and older.