San Luis Obispo County is preparing to move from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. 

The State announced the change in tier status today, and the tier status change goes into effect on Wednesday, March 3. This means many businesses can prepare to resume modified indoor operations and activities, effective tomorrow.  

“This is a positive step in the right direction for our community and I’m happy that we’re able to reopen more parts of our community,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “But we cannot take this gift for granted. We must remain vigilant as we move forward so that we do not undo this good work.” 

For a second week in a row, San Luis Obispo County COVID-19 case and testing metrics under the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy have moved in the right direction. The county's adjusted case rate is now just below 7 and its positivity rate and health equity metric continued to drop, staying at Orange Tier levels now for two weeks. It’s the fact that these two metrics dropped two tiers below case rate levels that make SLO County eligible for what the State calls "accelerated progression" through the tiers; prompting the county’s move into the Red Tier. 

The State’s Blueprint allows counties in the Red Tier to reopen indoor operations for some additional business sectors and allows for certain activities to resume. Local businesses must follow all State guidance for their industry and self-certify that they are ready to reopen.  

What can you do to help us reach the less-restrictive Orange Tier? 

• Wear a face covering in public.
• Stay at least six feet away from people outside of your household.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Limit mixing with people you don’t live with.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid crowds and large gatherings.
• Get tested for COVID-19
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with COVID-19 questions.  

To receive updates from the City regarding COVID-19, please register for City News e-notifications on the City’s website at www.slocity.org or follow the City of San Luis Obispo on social media.