New indoor activities to reopen in Alameda County starting Friday

Since Alameda County entered the orange tier of the state’s color-coded COVID-19 monitoring system last week, local public health officials have confirmed details for indoor activities that will be allowed to expand or reopen Friday.

Recently decreased case and positivity rates are stable enough to “continue moving at a measured pace to open or expand activities permitted under the red tier and some activities that are permitted under the orange tier,” the Alameda County Public Health Department said in a statement Wednesday.

“Naturally socially distanced” indoor activities such as bowling alleys and climbing walls may open for business Oct. 23, and also limited indoor dining, movie theaters and worship services. Capacity may be up to 25% or less than 100 people, whichever is less.

Starting Friday, indoor shopping malls and retail may have up to 50% of capacity and limited food courts, while indoor gyms and fitness centers are allowed up to 25% of capacity; indoor pools are prohibited from opening. Outdoor non-contact fitness classes may have up to 20 people including the instructor.

Wedding and funeral services can also expand to accommodate up to 25% of venue capacity or 100 people, whichever is less, starting this week.

The recent decreases are “the direct result of Alameda County’s residents and businesses following the Health Officer Orders and safety guidance,” health officials said. “To make further progress through the tiers, we all must continue to take actions to limit the spread of COVID-19,” including wearing face coverings in public, limit socializing with people from other households, and staying six feet apart when they do, washing hands frequently, and staying home when sick.

Businesses must enact and residents must observe COVID-19 safety measures. COVID-19 information and guidelines are available at https://covid-19.acgov.org/recovery.page.