INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Riverside and San Bernardino County leaders say that with continued improvement, the two counties could be in the less-restrictive orange tier of reopening.

Riverside county's current case rate is 6.1 cases per 100,000 people with a positivity rate of 3.3%. That compares to the statewide rate of 2%.

Under the current red tier of reopening, residents can now enjoy indoor dining, or even taking in a movie. Beyond restaurants, museums and theaters, and gyms, all are reopening with limited capacity and enforced safety protocol. Retailers are stepping up indoor capacity, and effective April 1, outdoor live events can resume at 20% capacity.

“It is a great feeling, and a sign of hope’, said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor’s Chairman Curt Hagman. “But as we’re seeing in Europe right now, this can all change in an instant if we let down our diligence following public health protocols. Still, with more and more people getting the vaccine, an end to this pandemic is finally in sight.”

Orange is the next tier for reopening if the virus positivity rate keeps falling and more residents are vaccinated.

Story Date: March 29, 2021