:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67767770/shutterstock_1765248644.0.jpg)
After being able to restart indoor dining at the end of August when it landed in the red, or substantial tier, San Diego County has been placed back in the purple, or widespread, tier. Previously operating with limited indoor seating, either at 25 percent capacity or 100 people max, local restaurants will now have to cease indoor service again and return to outdoor dining, if feasible, plus takeout and delivery. The county has three days, starting Wednesday, to comply with public health orders, so the change will go into effect Saturday morning.
This latest blow to the restaurant industry was anticipated to hit today, as the county has spent two weeks with data recorded above the state’s mandated levels, with daily case rates exceeding the threshold of 7 per 100,000 residents.
In addition to restaurants being restricted to outdoor operations only, other retail businesses will have to amend their capacity and schools will not be able to move to in-person learning.
