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Several Bay Area counties are rolling back on reopening efforts due to the recent surge of positive coronavirus cases throughout the state, with most of those counties added to its watch list. Some of those counties include Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Solano and Alameda.
Counties that are on the state's watch list for three days are required to shut down bars and indoor dining in restaurants for at least three weeks, although bars and indoor dining.
Contra Costa CountyIn Contra Costa County, the percentage of people testing positive for the coronavirus over the past seven days has jumped, so indoor gatherings are being shut down.
Indoor religious services and cultural activities were allowed to resume in June with attendance limited to 100 people. Supervisor John Gioia told KCBS Radio that the infection rate is now more than 8%.
"There’s been a sharp rise in the number of positive tests and the percentage of individuals testing positive, as well as the number of hospitalizations," he said.
Social distancing and face coverings are mandatory, even in your social bubble, unless you are eating or drinking.
Gioia does admit that the rules can be confusing.
"There are changing health orders and some different rules in different counties, so it is important to have one clear message," Gioia said. "At this time, that message is: no indoor gatherings, which means no religious services, no protests or funerals."
Sonoma CountyIndoor dining in Sonoma County breweries, wineries and restaurants is being put on hold, as of 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Alameda CountyIn Alameda County, outdoor dining once is, once again, off the menu due to stricter guidance issued by the state on July 9.
"Jack London Square is really nice," he said. "It’s along the water, nice weather and it’s open air."
Somi Son owns Cafe Au Lait in Alameda, and just found out about the updated rules, but told KCBS Radio she only has the capacity to service four to five people.
"We’re mainly a to-go type of place, so it won’t affect us too much," Son said.
Alameda County had applied for variance, or permission, from the state to re-open, but put that process on hold a couple of weeks ago due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
In the statement, health officials said they now will continue the process.