The California reopening is finally happening! The first state in America to put a coronavirus lockdown in place is now declaring an end to its quarantine and public safety restrictions!
Throughout 2020 California struggled to contain a novel coronavirus that gripped the state with fear and anxiety. Even becoming, at one point, the epicenter of the global health crisis. For the most part, the citizens of California worked together to try to overcome the pandemic, and we’re finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Mask mandate, physical distancing, capacity limits, vaccine passports, etc… all of these public health restrictions, coupled with the elevated stress, have caused many people to have Covid fatigue. While infections continue to occur, the number and severity of cases tracked by health officials have dramatically declined as a result of our efforts. Now we’re ready to use the new habits we’ve obtained, and move forward into a new tomorrow!
When is California reopening after COVID-19?
Starting Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 California is lifting the restrictions on social distancing and no more limits on capacity at restaurants, bars, supermarkets, gyms, stadiums, and more. So, what does that mean for treatment centers?
California’s 4 tier color system “plan for reopening?”
Earlier, California moved from a county monitoring system to a new framework based on tiers. The new system assessed county metrics weekly and assigns color-coded tiers based on daily case numbers and positivity rates. There are four color-coded tiers ranging from most restrictive to least:
- Purple – Highest Risk
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow – Lowest Risk
California Reopening Plans; Highs and Lows of the Pandemic
California’s relationship with the virus has been truly extraordinary. As the first in the country to impose a statewide shut down in March 2020, California’s businesses were just starting to reopen last June when cases began to rise again, and restrictions were once again imposed. The next three months saw a roller-coaster ride as more cases were reported, reaching a peak in September; then the numbers started to drop, and small businesses reopened.
The state took steps to limit the outbreak’s impact, including issuing mandatory school closures and enacting strict quarantines. That preparedness and strict adherence to guidance issued by the CDC likely prevented a second spike in cases in December 2020.
California now has one of the lowest rates of coronavirus infection in the country, below 1%. Currently, about 72% of adults and about 59% of all residents have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to CDC data. In addition, among all 50 states, California has the third-lowest seven-day death rate per capita and the seventh-lowest seven-day infection rate per capita. This is a significant improvement and a credit to California’s vaccination and monitoring programs.
An increase in the number of fully vaccinated residents combined with a dramatic decrease in coronavirus infections led California Governor Gavin Newsom to recently announce that most COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on June 15. As a result, California is fully reopening its economy for the first time in 15 months, and people can largely return to pre-pandemic lifestyles.
The reopening doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, all rules are not back to normal and some executive orders will remain in place. So what does that mean for Pacific Sands Recovery Center?
Pacific Sands Recovery Center COVID-19 Protocols for Reopening
Public health officials across the US reported spikes in deaths due to drug overdose during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 30 states reporting increases in opioid-involved overdose deaths. These statistics are challenging for people in recovery as they adversely affect the struggles of people trying to quit an addiction altogether.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center still offers in-person services and inpatient counseling. The safety of our clients, clients, and staff is our top priority and we are still taking every step to keep you safe and healthy. Now, more than ever, it’s important that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a barrier that keeps people from getting the help that they need.
In addition to following all CDC and DHCS guidelines, some of the health and safety measures we have in place:
- A thorough COVID-19 assessment for each client prior to admittance
- A negative COVID-19 test requirement and/or PCR test administered upon admittance
- Quarantine measures until proof of negative test results
- Continuation of personal protective equipment initiatives
- Daily sanitization and cleaning of facilities
- Bi-weekly deep cleanings
- Heavy emphasis on the importance of vaccinations for both our staff and clients.
With time some provisions will be slowly retired; with about 90% of the Governor’s pandemic-related executive orders scheduled to be lifted by September. For now, masks will still be required in places like public spaces, health officials plan to keep these new guidelines in place until at least October.
It has been a difficult year, for all of us. The counselors and staff at Pacific Sands Recovery Center are eager to help you get back to a healthier and happier life, free of drugs and alcohol. Call us today for a free consultation with a care coordinator.
