California will allow indoor concerts, theater performances and other private gatherings starting April 15 as the rate of people testing positive for the coronavirus in the state nears a record low.
The decision is a sharp turnaround from the slow pace California has taken on lifting restrictions, and comes as the governor urges people to continue being vigilant about wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. To attend gatherings, people will have to either be tested or show proof of full vaccination.
California has administered nearly 19 million doses and nearly 6.9 million people are fully vaccinated in a state with almost 40 million residents. But only people 50 and older are eligible statewide to get the vaccine now. People 16 and older won’t be eligible until April 15.
Under the new rules, how many people can attend events will depend on the level of restrictions in place in each county. The state divides counties into four tiers based on how widespread the virus is there.
Indoor concerts and theater performances aren’t allowed for counties still in the purple, most-restrictive fourth tier. They will, however, be allowed in the red third tier, but only at 10% capacity for venues of up to 1,500 people and 20% capacity for venues with capacity greater than that. Capacity limits increase in the lower tiers.
If venues separate people into sections, people in the “fully vaccinated” section can sit shoulder to shoulder, but they still must wear masks, according to California Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón.
“This is really going to be a pathway to allowing venues to meet the capacity limits,” Aragón said.
Private events, including receptions or conferences, are only allowed outdoors and limited to 25 people in counties in the purple tier. They’re allowed indoors in the red tier, but limited to 50 people. However, that capacity increases to 200 people if all guests are tested or show full proof of vaccination.
“Today’s update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of COVID-19,” California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said.
— Adam Beam and Janie Har, Associated Press