It is more restrictive and people are not to leave their homes unless essential

DIXON, CA (MPG) - If you did not see the alert sent via cell phone or haven't been keeping up with the news but you notice the streets are once again void of a lot of traffic, it is because this past Thursday, Solano County fell below the regional 15 percent ICU bed capacity in Solano County's COVID crisis moving Dixon into the Purple Tier.

Dixonites now join 39 million other Californians who will have a very quiet Christmas.

"It is a deep purple. It is more restrictive and people are not to leave their homes unless essential; there is no outdoor dining at all but pick up or take out, gyms can only be outside, retailers can only have 20 percent of their typical customers in at one time and there is no personal care services such as hair and nails," said Jayleen Richards, Public Health Administrator for Solano County Health and Social Services, Public Health division. Churches can only meet outdoors.

They prohibit private gatherings of any size, close sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and require 100% masking (with certain exceptions as indicated within guidance for use of face coverings) and physical distancing in all others.

“Solano County is experiencing high levels of transmission of COVID-19 at an alarming rate, and our hospitalizations are rising, both of which are indicators that ICU impacts are a given now, not just locally but regionally,” said Dr. Bela T. Matyas, Solano County health officer in a news release. “This time of year poses a special challenge in preventing transmission of COVID-19. While we may want to gather and celebrate with family and friends, such gatherings can cause the spread of this devastating virus to our family and friends, affecting our loved ones and the community.”

These orders will remain in effect for at least three weeks. After that period, they will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial three week period.

The purpose of the state’s order is to address the increasing transmission among non-household members and further prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed. The requirements of the state’s order supersede local Health Officer orders within any region when there is less than 15 percent ICU capacity.

"Getting out of this situation will depend on everybody to take serious actions to reduce the spread in our community – stay home as much as possible, leave only for essential activities, don’t gather outside of your household, use a face covering in public settings always, and maintain six feet physical distancing from others everywhere outside of your household. Help keep yourself and others safe,” Dr. Matyas said.

Tracking of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the Bay Area Region by Solano County Public Health shows that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are surging with several hundred new COVID-19 cases confirmed daily and ICU capacity declining across the state.

Pursuant to the Regional Stay at Home Order the following sectors are required to close or remain closed for all operations, including: Indoor playgrounds; Indoor recreational facilities; hair salons and barbershops; Personal care services such as nails; museums, zoos and aquariums; movie theaters; and wineries.

Also included are: Bars, breweries, and distilleries; family entertainment centers; card rooms and satellite wagering; limited services as defined by the State; live audience sports; and amusement parks. But, you can still take your children to the park.

For more information about the virus in Solano County, contact their 'Warmline' at (707) 784-8988 or go to www.SolanoCounty.com/COVID19.