More Businesses Reopen In San Mateo Co. With Yellow Tier Move

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County will move into the least restrictive, yellow tier in the state’s COVID-19 blueprint on Wednesday, clearing the way for bars to open indoors and for gyms, movie theaters, conferences and other businesses to increase their indoor capacity.

The county has been in the orange tier since March 17 and has continued to see COVID-19 case rates flatten or decline. Its adjusted case rate per 100,000 residents is at 1.8, below the 2.0 threshold required for the yellow tier.

Though California plans to scrap its tier system and reopen most of its economy on June 15, counties are still currently bound by the system until then. San Francisco County was the first Bay Area county to enter the yellow tier last week.

Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow also rescinded the county’s social distancing guidelines and face covering requirements in favor of state guidance, which allows for fully vaccinated people to be outdoors without a mask except for during crowded settings. Masks are still required in indoor settings outside of one’s home.

San Mateo County is also making progress on vaccinations, with over 76 percent of eligible residents vaccinated as of Tuesday.