Week of April 9, 2021

Governor Plans to Re-Open the Economy on June 15 

As of earlier this week, California has administered over 20 million COVID-19 vaccines, including 4 million in the State’s hardest-hit communities, known as the Healthy Places Index. The total amount of administered vaccines in California alone exceeds that of all but five nations in the world. As COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized, Governor Newsom is looking to move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy’s tiered re-opening framework to fully re-open the economy. On June 15, all industries across the State to return to usual operations, while continuing common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations, as long as the following two criteria are met:

1. Equitable vaccine availability: If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years or older who wish to be inoculated; and 
2. Consistently low burden of disease: Hospitalizations are stable and low, and specifically, hospitalizations among fully vaccinated individuals are low.

• Conventions, which will be held to 5,000 people, unless there is a system to test attendees. 
• Large outdoor events (that do not have fixed seating) such as the Coachella  Music and Arts Festival. Guidance is still being formed on this and similar events.

California’s Vaccine Eligibility

Currently, all Californians over the age of 50 are eligible to receive a vaccine, and over 40% of all eligible Californians have received at least one dose. On April 15, the State is expanding eligibility to those aged 16+, so even more Californians can get vaccinated. Sign up today through Othena or My Turn.

Orange County Continues to Operate in the Orange Tier

Orange County has been able to operate in the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy since March 31. The Orange Tier allows local businesses and activities in Orange County to expand capacity or resume operations, with modifications per their respective guidance. Highlights include:

• Places of Worship: indoors at 50 percent capacity
• Restaurants: indoors at 50 percent capacity
• Gyms, fitness, dance studios, indoor playgrounds: indoors at 25 percent capacity
• Breweries/Wineries:  indoor operations at 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Movie Theaters:  indoors at 50 percent capacity
• Museums: indoors at 50 percent capacity
• Bars (without providing meals): open outdoors only
• Higher Education: 50 percent capacity or 200 people, whichever is less
• Hotels: can continue hosting guests; gyms open at 25 percent capacity, indoor pools open
• Theme Parks: 25 percent capacity

Click here for a full matrix of what can operate in each tier. More information on this announcement is available on the State’s website by clicking here or in the County of Orange’s press release.

Orange County Vaccine Distribution

A new Super POD (Point of Dispensing) vaccination site opened on March 31 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Other Super PODs in Orange County include the Disneyland Resort, Soka University, and the Anaheim Convention Center. Smaller POD sites and mobile clinics continue to operate as well. The Soka University and Disneyland Super POD sites are offering Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) vehicle lanes for in-car vaccinations for eligible individuals with disabilities and appointments, who are displaying vehicle placards or license plates. As a reminder, the County PODs and mobile clinics are not the only options for residents wanting to receive a vaccine. Other health care providers are approved to dispense vaccines, including hospitals, pharmacies, and health clinics, and they play an essential role in vaccinating Orange County's population. Large retail pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Costco, Target, and Albertsons receive their vaccine allocations directly from the Federal Government. Approximately 1,746,949 vaccine doses have been administered in Orange County, which is tracked by the State here.

County to Launch Digital Passport Pilot Program

This month, the OC Health Care Agency will launch a pilot program for a Digital Passport for COVID-19 vaccine and testing credentialing. The Digital Passport enables individuals to participate safely, and with peace of mind, in activities that involve interactions with other people, including travel, attractions, conferences/meetings, concerts, sports, school, etc. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.