Solano Sun

Solano County issued the following announcement on Oct. 30.

The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, has received notification from the California Department of Public Health that Solano County is at risk of moving back to the Purple Tier (Tier 1) – the state’s most restrictive tier – as early as November 10 due to a recent spike in case rate across the County.  While Public Health officials have submitted an appeal to the state to keep Solano County in the Red Tier, if Solano County returns to the Purple Tier, some indoor business operations and activities must close or reduce capacity.

The rise in case rate is primarily linked to several large community gatherings, in addition to outbreaks in congregate living facilities. The County is experiencing a higher case rate of COVID-19, at 7.1 cases per 100,000 per day, putting the case rate above the Red Tier threshold. To remain in the Red Tier, the County’s COVID-19 case rate must decrease to 7 cases per 100,000 per day or less.

“The impact of moving back into the Purple Tier on our County’s businesses, residents and the economy would be significant,” said Bela T. Matyas, Solano County Health Officer.  “We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of the virus.  Over the holidays, we urge you to keep social gatherings small and in a venue where 6-foot social distancing can be maintained. Wear your mask, watch your distance, wash hands frequently, and stay home when you are sick.”

A return to the Purple Tier will adversely impact small businesses throughout Solano County, including those who have been able to provide indoor services in the Red Tier for the past several months after having their operations restricted over the course of the pandemic health emergency. Additionally, schools that have opened while the County is in the Red Tier can remain open; however, any schools that have not yet opened would no longer be able to open except under the elementary school waiver.

Solano County Public Health submitted a tier adjudication request to appeal to the California Department of Public Health earlier this week, indicating that the rising case rate is not is not an indication of a high risk of community spread in Solano County.  If the state does not approve the adjudication request, the County will go back to the Purple Tier as early as November 10, 2020.  Solano County is addressing the rising number of cases by increasing outreach efforts and partnerships with community-based and faith-based organizations that serve hard-to-reach communities.

“We know that people are going to get together over the holidays, and we’re not trying to prevent that,” said Matyas.  “What we are doing is urging people to play it safe when they get together, to use common sense, and to follow a few simple safety protocols to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and influenza disease in the community.”

Solano Public Health encourages everyone to consider these practices when getting together, including:

-Organize small, outdoor gatherings with limited number of guests

- Stay home if you have symptoms of illness or are high-risk

-Maintain six feet of distance or more from those not in your household

-Wear face coverings

-Practice healthy hygiene habits

-Minimize the sharing of food and drinks

Solano County residents are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of symptoms, at their local healthcare provider or at community testing sites, including the following locations:

- Suisun City – 318 Merganser Drive (Suisun City Senior Center)

-Vallejo – 545 Magazine Street (Norman King Community Center)

Original source can be found here.