Mariposa Co. moves into 'red tier' of reopening CA amid surge in COVID-19 cases
The area's rising COVID-19 case count is to blame for the new restrictions likely to go into effect as soon as this weekend.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- UPDATE: On Saturday, California health officials confirmed that Mariposa County has moved into the 'red tier' of the state's reopening due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
To see how changing tiers impacts various businesses and other facilities, click here.
The original story follows below.
Mariposa County is on the brink of falling back into the 'red tier', just days after getting pulled into the 'orange'.
The area's rising COVID-19 case count is to blame for the new restrictions likely to go into effect as soon as this weekend.
On a busy Friday night at the Pizza Factory in Mariposa, manager Shawn Stallings says after a slow summer due to the pandemic, business is finally cooking
"I'd hate to see this all go backwards... maintaining employees and losing tourism was a big hit," Stallings says.
But going backward is exactly what the county may do come Saturday.
Mariposa County's public health director Dr. Erick Sergianko says they currently have 25 active coronavirus cases, which is enough for state health officials to move the mountain community into the 'red tier'.
"They're looking at data today. We're expecting to know tomorrow at noon officially. We're expecting their findings will align with ours," he says.
This comes just days after the county shifted to the 'orange tier' from the least restrictive 'yellow tier'.
Every other Central California county is in the purple tier.
For most of the businesses in Mariposa, the biggest change will be the number of people allowed in a dining room.
However, an owner of the 5th Street Inn says business is already down at least 25%, and more restrictions could mean more challenges to an already difficult year.
Sergienko says there's a number of factors leading to the spike including the most concerning: group gatherings.
He worries there won't be enough beds for patients if the increase in cases continues.
If the county does shift into the 'red tier', businesses will have to quickly make the adjustments Sunday.
"We anticipate most businesses can be in line by Monday or Tuesday," Sergienko says.
To see how changing tiers impacts various businesses and other facilities, click here.
