What are the changes ahead when we move into the orange “moderate” tier of reopening

Riverside County is moving into the second week in the red "Substantial" tier of reopening.

News Channel 3's Caitlin Thropay finds out what is currently keeping us from moving into the next tier and what that next tier would look like.

"We're going in the right direction," Jose Arballo, the senior public information specialist at the Riverside County Public Health Department told News Channel 3 on Monday.

Arballo said while looking at how our current trends, we need to improve our case rate first before we can safely move into the next tier.

"We're not going to be there probably this week so that means we'll be there three weeks at least," he said.

Arballo said currently, Riverside County measures at 6.7 daily new cases per 100,000 residents and that number needs to get down to 3.9.

As for our positivity rate, that's at 4.8% which already meets the orange tier criteria.

"We are optimistic that we could move forward if the community continues its hard work," he said.

If we do, some big changes will happen.

The biggest change in the orange tier is bars can reopen for the first time outdoors only with modifications.

In addition to bars, family entertainment centers like bowling alleys and rock climbing gyms can reopen at 25% capacity indoors.

If you're looking forward to working from home less often you might be able to do so. Offices will be able to reopen indoors with modifications in the orange tier however, telework is still encouraged.

Restaurants and places of worship can move from 25% to 50% capacity or 200 people.

All retail stores can go from 50% capacity to fully open with modifications.

In the orange tier, malls and swap meets would be able to go from 50% to full capacity. They'll still have to close common areas and reduce capacity in food courts.

Museums and zoos can go from 25% to 50% capacity inside their indoor attractions. That's the same with movie theaters.

Indoor pools can reopen in the orange tier and fitness centers can reopen at 25% capacity.

Arballo said the best way we as a community can help propel us into the next tier is by getting tested.

"Just because we moved from purple to red doesn't mean we should stop doing the things that got us to red," he said.

He also said it's important to keep doing things like wearing a face covering, washing your hands, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings if we want to move into the orange tier.