California on Friday issued new guidelines allowing for a resumption of attendance at indoor concerts, sporting events, theater performances and conferences on April 15, with varying restrictions on capacity based on counties’ placement in the economic-recovery tier system, and based on the number of attendees who have been tested and/or vaccinated.
Los Angeles County is currently in the Orange tier of the state’s reopening plan. To see what that means, take a look at the breakdown below and the charts at bottom. For information on the tier status of counties other than Los Angeles, see the map directly below.
“Today’s update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. “By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk.”
“As we continue to expand vaccine distribution, California is poised for a safe and equitable recovery,” said Dee Dee Myers, the former Warner Bros exec and now senior advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “We will continue to work with businesses, arts organizations, community groups and others to open carefully, with health and safety top of mind, so that we never have to go backwards.”
In the Purple tier, indoor reopening for these activities are not allowed. In the Red, Orange and Yellow tiers these activities are allowed with capacity limits and modifications including physical distancing, advance ticket purchases, designated areas for eating and drinking, and attendance limited to in-state visitors.
The breakdown is as follows:
Venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people: In the Red tier capacity is limited to 10% or 100 people, and capacity increases to 25% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In the Orange tier, capacity is limited to 15% or 200 people, and capacity increases to 35% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In the Yellow tier capacity in limited to 25% or 300 people, and capacity increases to 50% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination.
Venues with a capacity of 1,501 and above: In the Red tier, testing or proof of vaccination is required, and capacity is limited to 20%. In the Orange tier, capacity is limited to 10% or 2,000 people, and capacity increases to 35% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In the Yellow Tier, capacity is limited to 10% or 2,000 people, and capacity increases to 50% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination.
The Lakers issued a statement late Friday, saying the team is “incredibly excited that the state of California announced guidelines today that will allow Lakers fans to return to Staples Center.”
“Now that we have the guidance, we will work with LA County Public Health and Staples Center to finalize our plans to have fans safely attend our games starting with the Lakers vs. Celtics game on April 15,” according to the team.
The Clippers posted a short message on the team’s Twitter page saying, “Can’t wait to see you, #ClipperNation.” The message included a photo saying limited tickets will be available for home games starting April 18.
