Merced County will move back to a more restrictive Purple Tier, according to California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Health officials say in the last three weeks, the number of daily cases in Merced County has nearly tripled.
Reverting back to the Purple Tier will adversely impact some businesses, and activities for county residents will again be restricted. This includes the closure of most indoor services that were authorized to reopen under the Red Tier; however, personal care services are now eligible to remain open indoors.
For a full list of impacts to businesses, please see below_
https://www.co.merced.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/25797/COVID-19-Risk-Determination-Chart
The schools that reopened for in-person instruction (under the Red Tier) may remain open, and may continue their gradual reopening plans. However, schools and school districts that have not already opened for in-person instruction will need to obtain a waiver, approved by the Merced County Public Health Officer and the CDPH to open for in-person instruction. Only grades K-6 are eligible to reopen via an approved waiver. To view a complete list of schools with approved waivers, visit below_
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/ElementarySchoolWaiverConsultations.aspx
The County will need to remain in the Purple Tier for at least three weeks and must meet the Red Tier metrics for two of those weeks before the State will return the County to the Red Tier. Therefore, all residents are strongly urged to follow safety guidelines, so the County can progress forward in the reopening process.
Positive cases continue to be driven by large gatherings and events, as well as spread at unknown locations throughout the community. It is crucial to stay home when you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if you think it is something else, Merced County Health Officials say.
