Alameda County was previously in the red tier, and moved to the orange tier earlier this week. The orange tier is less restrictive, allowing more opening of indoor businesses and activities. As Oakland Voices Coordinator Rasheed Shabazz reported earlier this week, cases in Alameda County are slowly declining.

Under the previous red tier, Alameda County reopened indoor nail salons, gyms, museums, and hotels for travelers.

On Friday, October 16, outdoor playgrounds will be allowed to re-open in Alameda County; those using playgrounds need to follow these statewide guidelines, including wearing a mask at all times for anyone older than 2, no eating/drinking, and social distancing. Because there is shared equipment, visitors must sanitize their hands before and after use.

Starting on October 26, Alameda County will also begin allowing*:

• Indoor dining up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
• Indoor worship services up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
• Indoor theaters up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
• Expansion of indoor retail and malls at up to 50% of capacity and permitting limited food courts

*these activities are allowed under red tier guidelines

However, there are studies showing that indoor dining can be risky; health officials are stating that indoor dining is “high risk.” Also, flu season is starting soon, and health officials have concerns about both flu and coronavirus transmissions. Some restaurants are taking a wait and see approach, according to an article in Berkeleyside.

Elementary schools are also allowed to re-open under county guidelines; however, OUSD has stated that students will continue to distance learn through the end of the semester.