COVID-19 Update: Governor Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy

Today (August 28, 2020), Governor Newsom announced a new “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” that modifies earlier guidance. These new restrictions can be found on the state COVID-19 website, and include four categories into which a county may fall. These categories are based on the number of daily new cases (per 100k) and the percent of positive tests, and a county’s category determines which kinds of businesses may open.

Counties may advance in tiers, but must remain in a tier for at least three weeks before moving forward. Additionally, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks before moving forward.

Fresno County currently falls into the “Widespread” category.  Daily new cases are at 16.5, and the positivity rate is 11%.

Regardless of a county’s category, as of August 31, 2020, all retail and shopping centers, hair salons, and barber shops may open with modifications. Individuals can visit the website and enter “Fresno” (or any other county) to see the status of a given industry within the county.