Santa Clara County Expected To Move Into Red Tier Next Week

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County public health officials expect to move into the red tier in the state’s COVID-19 blueprint as soon as next Wednesday, as case rates and hospitalizations continue to fall and vaccinations ramp up.

The county has been in the purple tier since the Bay Area exited shelter-in-place order in late January, but along with the expected move to the red tier, the county is loosening restrictions effective Friday that include allowing youth sports and other outdoor activities.

Once in the red tier, county officials will work to allow indoor activities like indoor dining and gatherings.

“With vaccinations now reaching more broadly into the community, including over half of those age 65 and older, we are making significant progress in protecting our most vulnerable community members,” Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said in a news release. “As things improve, it is still important for everyone to continue to practice basic prevention measures: face coverings, social distancing, and doing as much activity as possible outdoors.”