By: Brynn Sherbert, April 20, 2021
California officials reported earlier this month that Los Angeles County’s continually decreasing COVID-19 case rate allowed the county to move into the less restrictive orange tier of the state’s reopening plan.
LA County moved from the red tier to the orange tier on April 5 in accordance with the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The orange tier allows business operations to reopen with modifications and safety measures in place.
As COVID-19 cases slowly decline in LA County, colleges and universities may resume some limited in-person on-campus activities. These activities include offering in-person lectures on campus at up to 50% occupancy, opening of specialized classrooms and offering the use of outdoor recreational sport activities.
Cal Poly Pomona must comply with public health officer orders issued by the California Depart-ment of Public Health and the LA County Department of Public Health to prioritize the health and safety of members of the campus community. LACDPH will make reopening determinations for institutions of higher education.
“Los Angeles County moving into the orange tier will expand activities on CPP’s campus and allow opportunities for students to use the BRIC, the library and the Bronco Student Center,” said Frances Teves, coordinator of the Safer Return task force. “I am excited for students to be able to enjoy these resources again.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials announced last week that California will fully reopen its economy across the state on June 15 if hospitalization rates remain low and there is enough vaccine supply for Californians 16 years and older — who were just granted eligibility for the vaccine April 15.
California has administered over 20 million vaccinations and continues to have one of the lowest positivity rate in the U.S. However, LA County is adhering to federal warnings and pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to rare blood clot concerns.
According to Teves, the vaccine clinic that is held on CPP’s campus is not utilizing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because of the pause. Residents are still urged to get either Pfizer or the Moderna shot.
Dionne Zhao, second year hospitality management student, received the Pfizer vaccine at CPP’s vaccine clinic and feels a lot safer potentially returning to campus in the fall.
“I am ready to go back to school in the fall and be surrounded by my friends and peers again,” Zhao said. “I highly encourage people to get vaccinated to help prioritize the health and safety of those around us.”
The orange tier allows for looser capacity limits and lets a few entertainment businesses such as bowling alleys and Disneyland to open.
Disneyland Resort theme parks are limited to 25% capacity with maximum capacity levels for inside dining and other indoor areas.
Jordan Hilst, fourth year liberal studies student, is thrilled Disneyland, and California’s other theme parks, are reopening on April 30.
“It has been so long since I have been to Disneyland and I am so happy to finally experience the happiest place on earth with my friends and family again,” Hilst said.
In order for Los Angeles County to advance in the yellow tier, the county must reach an average daily case rate below 2 per 100,000 residents and maintain that rate for at least two weeks.
To check eligibility and schedule a COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://myturn.ca.gov/.
Feature image courtesy of CDC.
