Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly announced on Tuesday, Sept. 29 that San Joaquin County had met the two-week threshold necessary to move from Tier 1 (Widespread) to Tier 2 (Substantial) – Red Tier. After being in the Purple Tier for several weeks, this new designation will allow San Joaquin County to reopen several businesses for indoor operations as provided under the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy

Business Operations Modified for Inside Operations include gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, museums, zoos and aquariums, personal care services including tattoo parlors, piercing studios, skin care and massage services.

Also, places of worship, restaurants and shopping malls, with common areas closed and reduced capacity at food courts.

All indoor businesses must adhere to other modifications including limited capacity.

Other Businesses that are open for Inside Operations with Modifications include hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.

Businesses that are open for Outside Operations only are wineries and family entertainment center. Businesses that are still not allowed to be open include bars, brewpubs and pubs, except those that serve food.

Once San Joaquin County is in the Red Tier for two weeks, it is allowed to reopen schools for some in-person instruction following California School Sector Specific Guidelines, unless the school had previously received a waiver.

“I want to thank all of the residents and the businesses for helping us to keep our cases low by getting tested, wearing masks, and keeping socially distant. If we continue to be vigilant, we can continue to move forward and reopen San Joaquin County,” said Dr. Maggie Park. “As we start to enter the fall season, it is more important than ever to continue to follow the rules by restricting gatherings, wearing face coverings, washing hands and social distancing, to not only prevent the spread of COVID-19 but to help with flu and other deadly diseases.”

“This significant move to the red tier is certainly a step in the right direction,” said San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chair, Kathy Miller. “It shows that residents are following public health recommendations and their hard work is paying off and enabling the County to finally get the upper hand on COVID-19. While I’m cautiously optimistic, we must continue to be diligent in our daily safety routines in order to keep businesses open, get kids back inside schools and get lives back to normal.”

All residents of the County are authorized to leave their residences to engage with these businesses but must comply with the State requirement to wear a face covering, comply with social distancing, and wash hands frequently. Officials also recommend that residents continue to get tested for COVID-19 and since it is the beginning of the flu season to get a flu shot.

For more information on the businesses that are open, see www.sjready.org. You can also search which businesses are open on the State’s website at www.COVID-19.ca.gov.