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Riverside County will remain in the state’s COVID-19 red tier for at least one more week.
State health officials agreed to an extension so the county would have more time to reduce its case rate and meet the requirements to remain in the red tier, according to a statement.
The red tier designation allows businesses like gyms, restaurants, and malls to open, with certain restrictions. Schools are also allowed to reopen, with conditions.
Riverside County health officials requested the delay after its cases and positive tests increased, potentially pushing the county into the more restrictive purple tier.
The county moved from the purple tier to the red tier last month.
“The aim with the adjudication process is to make the case to the state that we can maintain our current status and still control COVID-19 in our communities,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer, in the statement. “Whether we stay red or return to purple, we have to get people tested and continue to use facial coverings, social distance and avoid gatherings.”
