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Which California counties are reopening?

Gov. Gavin Newsom's reopening plan regulates how the California economy will restart in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Counties are classified in one of four tiers, which determine when and how businesses reopen.

California’s reopening risk tiers

Tier 1

Widespread

Most nonessential indoor business operations are closed

Tier 2

Substantial

Some nonessential indoor business operations are closed

Tier 3

Moderate

Some business operations can open with modifications

Tier 4

Minimal

Most business operations can open with modifications

The latest

  • Stricter rules have returned. With case counts rising, 40 counties were moved into a more restrictive tier this week.
  • Most people live under the toughest tier. Currently, 41 counties are in Tier 1 and deemed too risky to reopen, including Los Angeles County. Together they're home to 93% of the population.
  • A limited curfew is in place. A curfew is in place for Tier 1 counties as of Nov. 21. Nonessential activity outside the home is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • The mask order has stiffened. Governor Newsom's statewide mandate has been expanded.

How each county is rated

Here is the current status of each of the state's 58 counties.

Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4

Hover for more information.

The latest numbers, along with tier reassignments, are released each Tuesday. Here is how those decisions have shifted over time.

Weekly tier assignments by county
California Department of Public Health, Times analysis

Tracking the coronavirus outbreak

Follow the latest data on the spread of COVID-19 in California with our coronavirus tracker.

The metrics that matter

The state is using three statistics to judge counties, each with its own tiered benchmarks. With some exceptions, scores must surpass these standards before restrictions can loosen.

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Exempt
Adjusted case rate
New cases in a recent seven-day period divided into the population. Modified in some areas to account for testing volume.
Positive test rate
The percentage of tests in a recent seven-day period that come back positive.
Equity index
Disparities in disadvantaged neighborhoods compared to the county overall. Citing the strain of the recent surge in cases, the state has paused its use.

What’s open in your county?

Here's are the key metrics in each county and what is allowed to reopen, according to the state’s new classification. Some county officials may still choose to be more restrictive than the state system allows.

Track outbreaks in California nursing homes

Follow the data and look up the latest tallies at the hundreds of skilled-nursing and assisted-living facilities across the state.