PLEASE NOTE: This page is an active information page. As information is provided by the local work groups, health professionals and the State, it will be updated and added here.
Blueprint for a Safer Economy
California has a blueprint for reducing COVID-19 in the state with revised criteria for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities. Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. Data is reviewed weekly and tiers are updated on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. If a county’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will be assigned a more restrictive tier.
Butte County is in TIER 3 (orange) of the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy
What business sectors can open in Tier 3?
To understand which business sectors and activities may open indoors with modifications at reduced capacity in Tier 3 (orange), the public can visit the State’s Blueprint for activities and business tiers: tinyurl.com/CATierFramework
COVID-19 Industry Guidance
Businesses should review the State’s COVID-19 industry guidance to ensure that all modifications and mitigation measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus:
What should remain closed in Butte County
The following sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities are not permitted to operate in the State of California at this time:
- Adult Recreational sports
- Athletic Fields
- Indoor playgrounds such as bounce centers, ball pits and laser tag
- Live theater
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Nightclubs
- Concert venues
- Festivals
- Theme parks
When can schools reopen?
As of Tuesday, October 13, 2020, all schools in Butte County may choose to open for in-person instruction effective immediately. Schools who choose to open for in-person instruction must follow the State COVID-19 Guidance for Schools and School Based Programs. The State guidance applies to all schools reopening for in-person instruction including public (traditional and charter) and private schools.
When Reopening in Butte County:
As the State announces reopening guidance for new sectors permitted to reopen Statewide and additional sectors that may reopen in counties with a local variance once approved by the local Health Officer, the County reminds businesses that in addition to the State reopening guidance all businesses and facilities should also:
- Post a local self-certification window placard in a visible location once all reopening measures have been met.
- Require employees to wear face coverings when interacting with members of the public, working in any space visited by members of the public, working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others, working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities, and in any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance.
- Maintain a log if possible, including: customer or participant name, contact information, and time of visit when practicle that may be provided to Butte County Public Health to assist in contact tracing.
Workplaces Guidance for COVID-19 Exposure & Diagnosis:
Please refer to the following list of resources to help determine the best course of action should you have COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.
Individuals Actions:
- Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home.
- Vulnerable (high risk) individuals – should continue to follow the State’s Stay-at-Home Order.
- Wear face coverings – individuals are required to wear a face covering when in public. See face covering guidance.
- Continue physical distancing – When in public, maximize physical distance from others (at least six feet).
- Maintain good hygiene practices – Washing hands, use hand sanitizer, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes.
- Gatherings – The State has updated the gathering guidance to allow for small, private gatherings of people from no more than three households. The private gathering must take place outside for no longer than two hours. All other gatherings not covered by existing sector guidance are prohibited. Gatherings are defined as social situations that bring together people from different households at the same time in a single space or place. When people from different households mix, this increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Cloth face coverings help reduce the spread of coronavirus especially when combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing. Starting June 18, Californians must wear face coverings in common and public indoor spaces and outdoors when distancing is not possible.
A significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.
Cloth Face Covering Safety Measures:
- Wash your hands before putting on a face covering
- Don’t touch your face or the face covering during usage
- Wash the face covering before using it again
- Face coverings are not a substitute for staying home or social distancing, especially when ill.
- The purchase of N95 respirator masks should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
A cloth face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand, or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.
If you don't have a cloth face covering, you can make your own!