State's Plan for Reopening Businesses

Business Resources

On August 28, 2020, the State of California established a Blueprint guide the process for modifying the statewide stay-at-home order. The Blueprint includes a four-stage colored framework under which businesses will be permitted to gradually reopen. Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. At a minimum, counties must remain in a tier for at least 3 weeks before moving forward. Data is reviewed weekly and tiers are updated on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. If a county’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will be assigned a more restrictive tier. Public health officials are constantly monitoring data.

Blueprint for Reopening by County Risk Level

Widespread (Purple)

  • Many non-essential indoor business operations are closed.

Substantial (Red)

  • Some non-essential indoor business operations are closed. 

Moderate (Orange)

  • Some indoor business operations are open with modifications.

Minimal (Yellow)

  • Most indoor business operations are open with modifications.

As of September 8, 2020, Orange County is classified to be in the 

Substantial (Red) category. 



Industry Guidance 


Find the status of specific businesses and activities in Orange County by clicking here.