INLAND EMPIRE - (INT) - With the state easing out of the post-holiday COVID-19 spike, and ICU capacity increasing throughout the state, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday lifted the strict regional stay-at-home orders issued in December.

The order reinstates the tier system. The Inland Empire remains in the purple tier.

As a result, local restaurants will be allowed to open for outdoor service, personal care services (such as hair and nail salons) may reopen with modifications, retailers may allow more customers into their stores and campgrounds may resume operations, among other changes.

County officials hailed the change as the vaccine rollout continues at something less than warp-speed.

“This is a huge step forward in our recovery. I am cautiously optimistic about the year ahead and encourage residents to get vaccinated as soon as they are able,” said San Bernardino county Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “So many of our small businesses that have shouldered significant burden throughout this pandemic can now refocus on their recovery,” said Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “While some of our businesses may be reopening, we cannot lose sight of the fact that coronavirus continues to be widespread throughout all of Southern California."

The state lifted the stay-at-home order when it calculated the four-week ICU capacity projection for the Southern California Region at 30.8%, which is well above the 15% that triggered the order. ICU capacity in the county has stood at zero for several weeks as holiday gatherings caused case rates and hospitalizations to soar at record levels. Regional ICU capacity has improved to 14.4%.

As a result of the announcement, the following guidelines will be implemented immediately:

• In-person gatherings, which were previously prohibited, are now permitted for up to members of three households.

• Restaurants, which previously were limited to take-out and delivery, may now provide outdoor dining. (Limited indoor dining remains prohibited until the County reaches the red tier.)

• Hair and nail salons, barbershops, and other personal services may now reopen with limited capacity.

• Grocery stores may expand capacity to 50%, compared to 35% under the prior restrictions. Other retailers may increase capacity from 20% to 25% capacity.

• Hotels and other short-term rental lodging can serve non-essential patrons with restrictions.

• Museums and zoos can resume outside operations.

Story Date: January 30, 2021