This special partner communication is dedicated to providing information regarding the fluid situation surrounding the coronavirus and its impact on Sonoma County's tourism and hospitality industries.
Blueprint UPDATE with guidance for gatherings, receptions, and conferences
California updated the Blueprint for a Safer Economy today with new guidance for gatherings, receptions, and conferences. Please refer to the CDPH guide here for full information.

GATHERINGS (beginning April 15)

In the red tier, outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people are allowed. The gathering size increases to 50 people in the orange tier, and 100 people in the yellow tier.

Indoor gatherings, although discouraged in all tiers, are allowed with modifications and capacity limits in red, orange, and yellow.

RECEPTIONS/CONFERENCES (beginning April 15)

In all tiers, modifications are required to reduce risk. This includes pre-purchased tickets or a defined guest list and assigned seating.

In the purple tier, these activities are only allowed outdoors and capacity is limited to 25 people. If all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination, capacity increases to up to 100 people.

In the red tier, outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, and capacity increases to 200 if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In this tier, indoor activities are allowed if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination; capacity is limited to 100 people.

In the orange tier, outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, and capacity increases to 300 if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. In this tier, indoor activities are allowed if all guests are tested or show full proof of vaccination; capacity is limited to 150 people.

In the yellow tier, outdoor gatherings are limited to 200 people, and capacity increases to 400 if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. Indoor activities are allowed if all guests are tested or show full proof of vaccination; capacity is limited to 200 people.  
Preparing to move from red to orange
With Sonoma County set to move from the red/substantial tier to the orange/moderate tier no later than April 13, we wanted to briefly outline what this change will mean for Sonoma County tourism and hospitality businesses.

The CDPH has released a helpful guide outlining the current activity and business tiers here. Please refer to that guide to determine what changes, if any, will occur to your business category.

Some of the changes will include:
Hotels and Lodging Open with modifications
- Fitness centers (+25%)
- Indoor pools

Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries Open indoors with modifications
- Max 25% capacity indoors, or 100 people, whichever is fewer

Bars (where no meal provided; follow restaurant guidance where meal is provided)
- Open outdoors with modifications

Restaurants Open indoors with modifications
- Max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer

Gyms and Fitness Centers Open indoors with modifications
- Max 25% capacity
- Indoor pools
All retail can operate indoors with modifications

Shopping Centers (Malls, Destination Centers, Swap Meets) Open indoors with modifications
- Closed common areas
- Reduced capacity food courts (see restaurants)

Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums Open indoors with modifications
- Indoor activities max 50% capacity

Family Entertainment Centers Open indoors for naturally distanced activities with modifications
- Max 25% capacity
- Bowling Alleys

Movie Theaters Open indoors with modifications
- Max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
For businesses permitted to modify operations as a result of the tier change, an update is required to the Appendix A Safety Plan to reflect modifications. View full Appendix A requirements at SoCoLaunch.org.

Let’s keep up the good work! Yellow is right around the corner!

Be well,

Sonoma County Tourism