Solano County Moves To Red Tier On State's Coronavirus Watchlist

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — The state has downgraded Solano County into the second tier of the state's four-tiered, color-coded COVID-19 risk system.

Previously, Solano County was in tier one, or the purple tier, indicating widespread risk. Tier two, or the red tier, represents substantial risk.

Solano County was one of several in California that progressed to the red tier, the state health department's website indicated Tuesday morning. This means that the state will allow more Solano County businesses to reopen, should the county health department approve.

Counties that remain in the red tier for two weeks may consider reopening schools for in-person instruction.

Though Solano County may choose to be more restrictive, the state permits counties in the red tier to reopen the following businesses and services indoors, with modifications:

• shopping centers (50 percent capacity; closed common areas and reduced-capacity food courts)
• restaurants (25 percent capacity)
• fitness centers (10 percent capacity)
• places of worship (25 percent capacity or 100 people — whichever is fewer)
• nail salons
• massage facilities
• museums (25 percent capacity)
• zoos (25 percent capacity)
• movie theaters (25 percent capacity or 100 people — whichever is fewer)

As of noon Tuesday, there have been 6,175 cases of the coronavirus in Solano County since the outbreak began, statistics show. There have been 55 COVID-19-related deaths.

Solano Schools Watching County’s Tier Status

The Solano County Office of Education issued the following statement Tuesday:

"Today, the state’s COVID-19 website shows COVID-19 data for Solano County has qualified the county to move to Tier 2 (Substantial- red) status. The tiered system is part of California’s blueprint for reducing COVID-19, featuring newly revised criteria for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities based on metrics from the last three weeks.

"Should Solano County remain in Tier 2 (Substantial- red) for 14 consecutive days, Solano schools would have the option to return to in-person instruction. Currently, Solano County schools must provide general education through virtual distance learning. K-6 schools within the county may apply for an elementary waiver to return to in-person instruction prior to the County maintaining Tier 2 status for 14 consecutive days.

"While schools within the county would be permitted to return to in-person instruction following 14 consecutive days in Tier 2 status, districts may choose to remain in a distance learning model. The final decision to return to school campuses will be made by each district, working closely with Solano Public Health, school boards, and community stakeholders, including families, staff, and labor partners. Districts will continue to communicate directly with parents and guardians regarding future plans and instructional options available.

"'Administrators across the county recognize that there is no universal approach for returning to in-person instruction. Instructional plans may vary from district to district based upon the needs of each community,” noted Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson. “Schools have worked hard on progressing to a point that enables them to consider reopening campuses for students, and they will continue to keep putting student and staff safety first.'

"When school campuses do reopen, it is important that administrators continue to work closely with local health officials to monitor current disease levels and the capacities of the local health providers and health care systems. Per California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and California Department of Education (CDE) recommendations, all staff and students should wear cloth face coverings or face shields while at school or on a bus and maintain six feet of physical distance during school activities. School leaders will need robust plans to: address positive COVID-19 cases or community surges, ensure adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for students and staff, maintain physical and social distancing, provide routine cleaning and disinfecting, address employee issues, and effectively communicate updates and prevention strategies with students, parents, and staff.

"Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) serves as a liaison and support for local schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. SCOE facilitates weekly meetings between local school district/charter administrators and Solano County health officials to provide updates about local health conditions, and discuss plans and strategies to mitigate risks to students and staff when campuses reopen. These weekly briefings will continue for several months. SCOE also provides updates and web resources regarding the latest guidance and health orders, communication and representation with state and local agencies, and support documents for local schools like the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Reopening Schools During COVID-19, a collaboration between Solano Public Health and SCOE. For those districts that opt to return to in-person instruction, SCOE will likely provide contact tracing support as well."

Patch staffer Courtney Teague contributed to this report.