Editor's note: This page is no longer being updated. Please visit our California Reopening Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. You can also visit our coronavirus page for the latest coverage.
California currently follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's tier system for guidelines on reopenings during the pandemic. The tier system replaced the state's coronavirus watch list. The state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy system determines when businesses can reopen.
Latest Updates
- June 8: Alameda and Napa counties have been moved to the least restrictive yellow reopening tier.
How Does the Tier System Work?
Each county is assigned to one of four tiers. Those tiers are based on two things: the rate of new cases and positive tests. In the chart below, the dark purple is "widespread" and is the most restrictive tier. Yellow is "minimal" and the least restrictive.
So what does this mean for businesses? Counties classified as "widespread" will have to keep most non-essential indoor businesses closed. If counties are in the red "substantial" tier, those restriction start to ease. As a county's coronavirus numbers improve and move to a less restrictive tier, more businesses can open with modifications. Check out this chart for a more detailed look.
Below you'll find a county-by-county breakdown.
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Alameda County
June 8 - Alameda County has been moved to the yellow tier, which allows for the further easing of capacity restrictions at various businesses. Details here.
Contra Costa County
April 6 - Contra Costa County has officially moved to the less-restrictive COVID-19 orange reopening tier, which allows for the further easing of capacity restrictions at various businesses. Details here.
Marin County
June 1 - Marin County has been moved to the least restrictive yellow reopening tier, which allows for a further reduction in coronavirus-related restrictions. More information here.
Napa County
June 8 - Napa County has been moved to the yellow reopening tier, which allows for the further easing of capacity restrictions at various businesses. Details here.
San Mateo County
May 11 - San Mateo County has been moved to the least restrictive yellow reopening tier, which allows for further easing of coronavirus-related restrictions.
San Francisco County
May 4 - San Francisco has been moved to the least restrictive yellow reopening tier, which allows for further easing of coronavirus-related restrictions. Additional information here.
Santa Clara County
May 18 - Santa Clara County has been moved to the yellow tier, which allows for the further easing of coronavirus-related restrictions. More information here.
Santa Cruz County
May 18 - Santa Cruz County has been moved to the yellow tier, which allows for the further easing of coronavirus-related restrictions. More information here.
Solano County
June 1 - Solano County has been moved to the least restrictive yellow reopening tier, which allows for a further reduction in coronavirus-related restrictions.
Sonoma County
April 6 - Sonoma County has officially moved to the less-restrictive COVID-19 orange reopening tier, which allows for the further easing of capacity restrictions at various businesses. Details here.
