MERCED COUNTY, CA—Officials with the California Department of Public Health announced today that the Regional Stay-at-Home Order (Order) has been lifted for all regions statewide, effective today. This decision is the result of the State’s projected ICU availability rising above 15 percent. Counties are now being directed to return to their assigned “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” tiers.
Under the blueprint, Merced County will move back into the Purple Tier (widespread). This will allow for some services and activities, such as outdoor dining and personal services, to resume operations immediately with the required modifications. To find out more about restrictions and requirements, please visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.
“We are encouraged by the four-week projections for our ICU capacity, but we want to caution everyone not to let their guard down. The risk and dangers of contracting the virus are still present in our community and it is directly reflected in the fact that our positivity rate remains high. We must continue to practice the preventative safety measures that are proven to work in slowing the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Salvador Sandoval, Public Health Officer.
As a reminder, it is still a local and statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet for social distancing. Merced County health officials strongly urge all residents to exercise the following safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
✓ Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
✓ Practice social distancing
✓ Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
✓ Use hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol base when handwashing is not possible
✓ Stay home and isolate, if you are feeling sick
For more information regarding the availability and to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Merced County, please visit www.vaccinatemercedcounty.com.
Follow us on social media for more updates:
- Facebook: Merced County Department of Public Health
- Join Facebook Live Sessions, every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The next session is scheduled for January 28, 2021.
- Instagram: @mercedcountypublichealth
