San Francisco, Santa Clara and Marin counties are moving into California's less restrictive orange tier, as expected.
Mayor London Breed made the announcement Tuesday ahead of the official confirmation from the California Department of Public Health.
Santa Clara and San Francisco counties will adopt the orange tier restrictions as of Wednesday. It was not immediately clear when the moves would take effect in Marin County, however, the state's current tier assignments map has already been updated Tuesday to reflect the changes.
San Francisco is in the midst of its best coronavirus numbers since the start of the pandemic. Just 0.85% of the city's tests are coming back positive, according to Breed. Thus far, nearly 40% of San Franciscans over 16 have gotten a vaccine.
Among other things, the orange tier allows for higher capacity at restaurants and lets bars open for outdoor service without the need to offer food.
"Advancement to the Orange Tier reflects the patience and persistence of the whole community in Santa Clara County. To continue to prevent cases and resultant hospitalizations and deaths, we must continue to wear masks, social distance, stay outdoors as much as possible, and get vaccinated when it’s our turn," Santa Clara County Health Officer said Dr. Sara Cody said.
Until Tuesday, San Mateo was the lone Bay Area county in the state's orange tier. Alameda and Santa Cruz counties currently meet the data thresholds to move from red to orange, but are required to wait another two weeks before the move.
Assuming Alameda County eventually joins San Francisco and Santa Clara County in the state's orange tier, every major Bay Area outdoor pro sports facility and concert venue would be able to welcome fans at one-third capacity by April 1.
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