Butte County is one of 28 California counties that today vaulted back into the state’s most restrictive COVID-19 tier.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the state as putting on an emergency brake in an effort to slow a significant spike in positive cases, hospitalizations and ICU patients.
Butte County Health Department Director Danette York says she expected to move into the red tier this week, but instead, the state forced multiple counties to skip tiers and move directly into purple.
She says businesses and organizations are required to implement changes within 24 hours.
“Unfortunately many businesses and activities are required to move activities outdoors only with modifications," York said. “These include places of worship, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, wineries, family entertainment centers, museums, zoos and aquariums, and card rooms.
Businesses that are required to close include bars, breweries, live sports, and amusement parks. Office work should remain remote as much as possible.
K-12 schools that are already open for in-person instruction may remain open but are encouraged not to increase capacity.