As Santa Clara County enters the “Red Tier” of the State’s Blueprint framework, the County is lifting local activity-specific health directives, effective Wednesday, March 3, 2021.  All activities are still subject to the State’s rules and to the local Risk Reduction Order.

As certain activities are allowed to resume, the County Health Officer urges residents to proceed with caution.  COVID-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths are falling, but still remain very high.  Vaccinations are occurring as quickly as supplies allow, but most people in our community are still not vaccinated.  New variants of the virus that may spread more easily or cause more severe illness are present in our county; however, their impact on our local epidemic is largely unknown.  Just because the State allows certain activities to resume or adopts certain COVID protocols, that does not mean that those activities are safe.  In fact, the State’s health orders allow many activities that are risky, and upcoming changes by the State will make that even more true.

The novel coronavirus spreads primarily through the air.  To keep yourself, your family, your friends and neighbors, and our broader community safe, follow these core principles:

1. Go outdoors. Outdoor activities are far safer than indoor ones. 
2. Stay masked. Consistent use of face coverings, especially double-masking, both indoors and outdoors, is very effective at preventing spread of the coronavirus.
3. Maintain at least 6-foot distance from others. Social distancing from those who do not live with you is effective at keeping the virus away.
4. Avoid crowds. The fewer people you encounter and interactions you have, the smaller the chance the virus will spread.
5. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn. All federally approved vaccines work well and will help keep you, your family, and your friends safe.

As a reminder, the County Risk Reduction Health Order still requires everyone to follow all State rules, use face coverings, and maximize social distancing; and all entities must continue to implement a Social Distancing Protocol, maximize telework, and immediately report cases to Public Health.