Today, Alameda County advanced to the Orange Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening framework. In the Orange Tier, bars where no meals are provided are able to open outdoors only; office workspaces for nonessential businesses may reopen with modifications, however, telework is still encouraged; indoor dining increases to 50% capacity; retail store capacity increases to 100%; gyms, fitness centers and yoga studios may increase indoor capacity to 25% with modifications; and indoor pools may reopen at limited capacity; however, hot tubs, saunas, indoor water parks and steam rooms must remain closed. Movie theaters may expand indoor operations to 50% of maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is less. Hair salons, barbershops and personal care services may continue to operate indoors with modifications. For the full roster of activities, visit covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and enter Alameda in the search field. The changes in allowed activities take effect on Wednesday, March 31.
Museums and zoos can expand indoor operations to 50% capacity. Houses of worship and cultural ceremonies may also expand to 50% indoors, along with funeral homes.
Wineries, breweries and distilleries where meals are not served are allowed to open indoors with a 25% capacity or up to 100 people. Dance studios can increase indoor capacity to 25%. Hotels may increase their fitness center capacity to 25% and open their indoor pools. Family entertainment centers and indoor playgrounds may open bowling alleys, climbing walls and other indoor distanced activities at 25% capacity.
Activities eligible to start on April 1:
- Outdoor sports and live performances with fans/attendees: In the Orange Tier, capacity will be limited to 33 percent and with advanced reservations only. Concession sales will be primarily in-seat (no concourse sales). Designated indoor seated dining area capacity will be limited to 25 percent. Attendance will be limited to in-state spectators and guests must attest their reserved seats are only for one household. See guidance for more details.
- Amusement parks: In the Orange Tier, overall park capacity and indoor capacity will be limited to 25 percent, including indoor dining. Small groups with a maximum of 3 household groups may attend together. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors. Walk-up ticket sales will be permitted, but park operators must collect name and contact information of the ticket purchases for necessary contract tracing.
The following activities remain restricted in the Orange Tier and are not allowed by the State to operate:
- Indoor concert venues
- Festivals
- Nightclubs
- Live theater
Small and time-limited private gatherings among no more than three households are permitted indoors under State guidance, but outdoors is still strongly encouraged. Masks and physical distancing are still required for these gatherings, and anyone who is experiencing symptoms must not attend. Gatherings should be 2 hours or less. Per state guidance, singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising are strongly discouraged and not permitted indoors. Those at high risk of severe illness are strongly encouraged not to attend. Large gatherings are still prohibited.
Bars in Oakland are now allowed to open outdoors, and along with restaurants that wish to expand operations outdoors, should look to the City’s Flex Street Initiative. With beautiful spring weather, outdoor beverage and meal service remains a safer alternative. All fees have been waived and permitting has been streamlined for business’ use of the public rights-of-way, including sidewalk, parking lane and partial or full street closures. Businesses expanding operations to private parking lots and other private outdoor areas will also benefit from streamlined permitting processes at oaklandca.gov/flexstreets. Since launching in June, more than 130 businesses have received permits through Flex Streets.
The Oakland Public Library will announce its plans for limited indoor operations later this week. Four computer labs were made available for public use on March 22, and Sidewalk Service continues at 16 locations.
Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) is crafting plans to open indoor and outdoor pools (at limited capacity), which are allowed to operate in the Orange Tier, within current budget restraints. Indoor pools remain closed under the State’s reopening blueprint.
OPRYD reminds Oaklanders that the State and County have lifted restrictions and playground use is allowed. Oakland playgrounds are “Use At Your Own Risk.”
For the City’s Parks, Open Space and Restrooms, their regular opening and closure schedules remain in effect. Download park hours here.
All OPRYD rental facilities will remain closed per the Alameda County Order. Applications for future events and gatherings will be accepted, but permits will not be issued until the Alameda County Order is lifted.
OPRYD intends on opening the following athletic fields in the next few weeks. For more information on renting one of these fields, please contact Frederick Morris at fmorris@oakalndca.gov.
- Bushrod Field
- Caldecott Field
- Curt Flood Field
- Greenman Field
- Lowell Field
- Oak Port Field
- Otis Spunkmeyer Field
- Owens Jones Field
- Raimondi Field
OPRYD continues to provide safe childcare services meeting County Health guidelines. Register for Town Enrichment and Summer Town Camp at https://cityofoakland.perfectmind.com or search activities at: https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/search-the-catalog-of-parks-and-recreation-activities-programs-and-classes
While the change to Orange Tier is encouraging, Alameda County reminds all Oakland residents to follow the 5 Ws to stay safer:
- Wear a mask,
- Wash your hands,
- Watch your distance,
- Wait to see loved ones,
- When it’s your turn, get vaccinated.
Be sure to register to get notified when it’s your turn to receive the vaccine.
Get tested. Free, confidential #COVID19 testing is available to everyone that needs it. Protect the ones you love. Find a testing site near you.
The State’s guidance and reopening plan are available in multiple languages at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID19MultilingualDocuments.aspx
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