State's Plan for Reopening Businesses

Business Resources

Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate.

In light of the recent, unprecedented surge in rate of increase of cases, the following changes are effective until further notice:

Tier assignments may occur any day of the week and may occur more than once a week when the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) determines that the most recent reliable data indicate that immediate action is needed to address COVID-19 transmission in a county.

Counties may be moved back more than one tier if CDPH determines that the data supports more intensive intervention. Key considerations will include the rate of increase in new cases and/or test positivity, more recent data as noted below, public health capacity, and other epidemiological factors.

The most recent reliable data will be used to complete the assessment.

In light of the extreme circumstances requiring immediate action, counties will be required to implement any sector changes the day following the tier announcement.

Full details on the Blueprint are available in CDPH’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework.


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 November 16, 2020, Orange County is classified to be in the 

Widespread (Purple) category. 



Industry Guidance 


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