Orange County is in the Red Tier as of March 14

the California Department of Health announced that Orange County may move into Red Tier of the State's new reopening guidelines on Sunday, March 14 meaning restaurants, gyms, churches, museums, and movie theatres may now resume indoor operations at limited capacity. Bars that do not serve meals must remain closed.

Indoor malls, barbershops and hair salons may also increase indoor capacity under Red Tier, and Middle and High Schools may reopen for in-person hybrid instruction.

Most other retailers can continue operating, as long as they limit how many people are inside at one time.

Open Local Businesses

The Blueprint for a Safer Economy and the California For All Website has detailed information, including and interactive link listing all business sectors and their current requirements. 

What can now be open?

• Indoor dining: open at 25 percent capacity
• Movie theaters: open at 25 percent capacity
• Museums: open indoors at 25 percent capacity
• Gyms, yoga studios: open indoors at 10 percent capacity
• Stores: indoor capacity increases to 50 percent
• Malls: indoor capacity increases to 50 percent

Maximum indoor capacities are dependent on business type and should be referenced in the Reopening Tier Guideline Chart and its corresponding capacity limits.

If you have questions about a business not on this list, consult the Blueprint For a Safer Economy page. It will allow you to search by specific industry in California.

Additional Reopening Guidelines for Indoor Dining at Restaurants

• Indoor operations are restricted to 25% of the occupancy of the restaurant, or 100 persons, whichever is lower.
• Physical distancing and hygiene measures are still applicable, so patrons must be seated far enough apart to maintain physical distancing; this may mean a business is not able to accommodate 25% occupancy indoors.
• Bars within restaurants are still closed for dining. The bar can be used by employees for the preparation of beverages, but no patrons can sit at the bar and receive service. This includes seating at sushi bars.
• Bars that do not serve meals must remain closed.
• Breweries/ Wineries/Distilleries that do not serve meals may open outdoors with modifications (see below.)

Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries that Do Not Serve Meals May Open Outdoors Saturday With Modifications

Beginning on Saturday, March 13, breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals may open outdoors only with modifications.

The modifications include ensuring that patrons have reservations and patrons observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for on-site consumption must end by 8 p.m.

The updated guidance does not apply to breweries, wineries and distilleries that provide meals. Those establishments should continue to follow the restaurant guidance.

However, bars that do not serve meals must remain closed.

Open City Functions and Facilities

 Basketball Courts— Open.

Beaches — Open. Physical distancing required, face masks recommended.

City Council Meetings — Proceeding with the opportunity for the public to participate from home. Click here for instructions about using Zoom. 

City Hall — Open to the public.  All persons entering City Hall will receive a health screening upon entry and will wear a mask when meeting with another person. Although we are open for drop-in in-person consultations, we are trying to work via telephone and video meetings whenever possible. Physical distancing must be practiced whenever possible. This video will show you what to expect when you arrive at City Hall. For questions please call (949) 497-0311 during regular business hours.

Committee, Subcommittee, and Board Meetings — Planning Commission and Design Review Board meetings will be conducted in the manner of City Council meetings with the opportunity for the public to participate from home. The Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee and Parking, Transit, and Circulation Committees have resumed meeting via Zoom. All other committee meetings are canceled for the time being. 

Dog Parks — Open. Dog Parks close for wet and muddy conditions and close weekly for maintenance. The Dog Park in Laguna Canyon closes on Wednesdays and the Dog Play Area in Moulton Meadows Park closes on Thursdays.

Fire Road — Open for active recreation.

Parks and Playgrounds — All City parks are open including playgrounds. Please read the signs.

Pool — Open for lap swim only, two people per lane, by reservation only.

Recreation Classes – Limited in-person, outdoor recreation classes available.

Street Sweeping Parking Enforcement — In effect. 

Tennis and Pickleball Courts — Open for play. No spectators.

Trailheads — All trailheads are open.

Volleyball Courts – Closed.

Closed City Functions and Facilities

Animal Shelter — Closed to the public, except by appointment. Residents who need to visit the shelter to pick up a recovered pet, schedule the adoption of a pet, or to purchase a dog license, may do so by calling the Animal Shelter at (949) 497-3552 between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. seven days a week.  

Trolley Service — Suspended.