Update as of Nov. 13: As COVID cases are rising, Contra Costa County is now back to the red tier which means a limited amount of businesses will be allowed to open. On Friday, Nov. 13, businesses, including entertainment venues, will be closing back down.

With the number of COVID-19 cases decreasing in Contra Costa County (as of early November), the lockdown has started to ease, resulting in a number of businesses in Contra Costa County being given the green light to open. Businesses closing and opening are dependent on California’s Blueprint for a safer economy, which separates each county into a risk level dependent on the case and positivity rates. Starting with purple being widespread, red being substantial, orange being moderate and yellow being minimal. As of Nov. 8, Contra Costa County is in the orange tier, which allows these businesses to open.

The newest additions to the list include bowling alleys and personal care services such as electrolysis and waxing parlors. However, businesses that are yet to open include indoor playgrounds that append bounce centers, ball pits, and laser tag. Some big companies that you may have heard of include businesses such as Rockin’ Jump, Boomers, etc.

There is no doubt that these companies have been suffering greatly, as many do not consider entertainment venues to be a necessity in which they need to leave their homes for.

Much is being done to comply with the safety guidelines that the county has put out for businesses to follow. Any failure to comply with these guidelines can result in the business closing down with a possible lawsuit.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, an American physicist who is currently serving as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cautiously advises all to prevent going outside during these unprecedented times.

“As the country is going through such a challenging time, I would put them all together. I’d say wear a mask, stay away from crowds, and don’t get close to people, physical distancing,” he said in an interview with Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Jan Jeffcoat.