Santa Clara County Moves To Loosen Shelter Orders

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County’s top health officer issued a revised health order Monday calling the loosening of shelter-in-place orders as soon as officials get the go-ahead from the state.

Under Dr. Sara Cody’s revised health order, indoor dining and church gatherings would be permitted with significantly reduced capacity.

Santa Clara County would need to move to the “orange” tier in the state’s monitoring system for areas considered to be at a moderate risk level for the spread of the coronavirus, with testing positivity rate of 2 to 4.9 percent.

The county is currently in the “red” tier, with positive rate of 5 to 8 percent.

The loosening of shelter orders figures to provide a boost to a local economy battered by the economic effects of the pandemic since shelter orders went into effect March 17.

But it is far from a declaration that the crisis is over, Cody said in a statement.

“It is imperative that we all continue to practice the precautions that have made our COVID-19 numbers move in the right direction,” Cody said.

“The fact that you are able to do something doesn’t mean that you should. The public’s commitment, both businesses and our residents, to wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing and testing is what will help us move forward to the next tier in the state’s COVID-19 blueprint.”

Once the county moves to the orange tier, outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people and indoor gatherings of up to 25 percent capacity or 100 people (whichever is fewer) would be allowed.

Indoor dining up to 25 percent capacity or 100 people, (whichever is fewer) would also be permitted.

“The fact that an activity is allowed does not mean it is safe,” the county’s Emergency Operations Center-Public Health Department said in a statement.

“COVID-19 continues to pose a serious risk to our residents. This is why we urge all residents to be cautious, stay home when possible, minimize interaction with anyone outside their household, maintain social distance, wear a face covering, and move activities outdoors when possible.”