Contra Costa Reopens Outdoor Dining, Pools, Religious Services

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — As the weather warms up, Contra Costa County announced Friday that it will allow more outdoor activities including the use of pools, dog parks and picnic and barbecue facilities. Outdoor religious services of up to 100 people may take place.

The order also allows up to 12 people to attend indoor religious services and members of the same household to use overnight camping facilities, the county said in a news release. The order goes into effect 5 p.m. Friday.

The loosening of the shelter-in-place order comes as Contra Costa County makes strides in its fight against the coronavirus, the county said.

"I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to all who suffered and sacrificed to follow these health orders throughout this pandemic," said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Anderson in the news release. "I know it has not been easy. But you have helped save lives."

On Tuesday the county allowed in-store shopping to resume, business offices to reopen and small groups of people to gather outdoors, among other changes.

Amid ongoing protests over police violence following the killing of George Floyd, the county noted that protests of up to 100 people are permitted in the new order. Outdoor museums, child care services, camps with 12 kids or fewer and pet groomers were allowed to reopen. Libraries can reopen for curbside pickup.

Read: Businesses Can Reopen, Small Groups OK In New CoCo Health Order

Contra Costa County reported 1,577 residents had tested positive as of Friday and 38 deaths had been linked to the coronavirus.

Patch editor Nick Garber contributed to this report.

Read the order below: