Santa Cruz County Moves Further Away From Reopening

Though Santa Cruz County had been able to operate in the less restrictive tiers of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, on Nov. 16 the state was moved back to the purple tier—the furthest away from reopening—after a press conference with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. With roughly 600 active cases in the county, Santa Cruz has experienced a total of 3,557 cases and 26 deaths in total as of Nov. 17. 

Newsom also made mention of the possibility of a statewide curfew, though nothing has been put into place. He made it clear that everyone is expected to carry a mask on their person and use it when in public or interacting with those outside one’s own household.

With cases in California having doubled within the last 10 days, many counties in the state were moved into the purple tier. This move will undoubtedly affect the Santa Cruz area, because of the economy’s heavy reliance on tourism. And even those businesses that cater to local residents will face new concerns operating in the winter months. With inside dining forbidden in the purple tier, many restaurants have been taking advantage of their outside spaces, which may not be as useful in the cold, wet winter months.

On Nov. 20, Santa Cruz County’s Public Health Division will hold an Employer Town Hall. This virtual meeting will serve as a way for employers to educate themselves and ask questions about operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. County representatives will talk about resources for employers and employees. They will also answer questions about AB 685 and how to handle a workplace exposure.

With cases on the rise and many outdoor activities curtailed by colder weather, it’s hard to see an end in sight to economic disruption in this tourist town. But with Pfizer and Moderna both announcing vaccines with up to 95 percent effectiveness, according to The New York Times, that end may come sooner rather than later.