COVID-19 Travel Updates for San Diego: What to Expect
2021 is here, and with it comes good news on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines are rolling out to millions of Americans this year. Transmission rates will go down as a result. And most virologists and infectious disease experts estimate that some sense of normalcy should return by summer.
Still, we’re not out of the woods just yet. In order to give the vaccine rollout enough time to achieve peak efficacy rates, we all still need to do our part to help stop the spread. In light of that, here are the latest guidelines from state and local government regarding what’s closed, what’s open, and how to stay safe.
Tiers and What They Mean
The State of California is working from a tiered safety system in order to help categorize risk and communicate action based on case counts. A given region’s tier may change at any time based on a variety of factors, and each categorization carries its own set of guidelines. For more information on how the state is handling tiers, what they mean, and the actions you need to take, please visit the State of California’s COVID-19 Information Page.
What’s Open?
The state and county are continually reviewing the state of the spread in California on a region-by-region basis and assessing what businesses and institutions are permitted to be open. As of January 1, 2021, the following are allowed to operate normally (while observing masking and social distancing guidelines):
- Outdoor Recreational Facilities (e.g., beaches, parks, playgrounds, camping, boating, golf, tennis, etc.)
- Retail, Malls, and Shopping Centers (at 20% capacity, no consuming food or drink inside, and special hours for seniors and the immunocompromised)
- Grocery stores (at 35% capacity)
- Hotels
- Restaurants (take-out or delivery only)
- Offices (remote only)
- Places of Worship (outdoor activities only)
- Entertainment Production
What’s Closed?
The state of California has mandated the temporary closure of certain types of businesses where safer operation cannot be implemented. Currently, both San Diego County and California at large have compelled the following to remain shuttered until safer conditions can be achieved:
- Indoor playgrounds
- Indoor recreational facilities
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Personal care services (e.g., nail salons, tattoo, piercing, tanning)
- Museums, zoos, and aquariums
- Movie theaters (except drive-in)
- Wineries, bars, breweries, and distilleries
- Family entertainment centers
- Cardrooms and satellite wagering
- Limited services
- Live audience sports
- Amusement parks
What Can I Do?
Of course, the single best thing you can do to stay safe is follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health. They advise all of the following: Stay indoors whenever possible, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and carry hand sanitizer with you in a purse, bag, or pocket. Avoid touching your face, especially after coming into contact with any publicly accessible surface. Maintain a safe six-foot distance from others outside your immediate party, and wear a suitable face covering at all times when in public to protect yourself and others from possible transmission.
Feel free to reach out to us via phone (619-222-0561), email, or at our website if you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming visit. The team and management at Best Western Plus Island Palms wishes you and yours safe and happy travels.