As of Tuesday, California's color-coded tier system, indicating how much COVID-19 has spread in each county, is obsolete. The multi-tier scale went from purple, the most restrictive, to yellow, the least restrictive.
The June 15 statewide reopening brings up a number of questions for Californians about gatherings, restaurants and general etiquette.
The East Bay Times published a helpful list of frequently asked questions ahead of the June 15 reopening and the state published a similar update. This list of questions that follows is a compilation of questions from The Times' list, the state's list and questions frequently asked on social media.
If vaccinated, where do I need to wear a mask?
The short answer, only on public transit, schools, healthcare settings and the workplace. The last one is temporary as CAL/OSHA is expected to approve new rules for workers June 17. Public transit means anything shared so airplanes and ferrys definitely count, as do Ubers Lyfts and trains.
Notably, businesses can also require customers to wear masks regardless of what the state law dictates.
Are physical distance requirements still in place?
In short, no, but as a courtesy it's best to give people some distance at least for the time being. Physical distancing is no longer required at grocery stores, on hikes, at the mall or restaurants but that doesn't mean people will be entirely at ease with strangers crowding them after more than a year in relative isolation.
What are 'mega-events' and how are they different from regular events?
'Mega events' like concerts, conventions, sports games, festivals and many others are subject to different rules because they will have 5,000 or more people in attendance, either outside or in a venue. At these indoor events, all attendees will be required to verify their vaccination status with their vaccine card or show a negative test result prior to entering the venue. The same protocol is recommended for outdoor events.
Do I need to wear a mask at the gym?
Maybe. While the state mask mandate is obsolete, businesses can still require customers to wear masks. Some organizations, like YMCA, plan to ask customers if they've been vaccinated before letting them take off their mask and will keep its reservation system in place for swimming and group classes.
Despite the statewide reopening, COVID-19 remains in a number of communities across the country and around the world so traveling should be done with caution. While travelers no longer have to quarantine when they return according to the CDC, international travel is still especially risky.
All of these guidelines are likely to change in the coming months but the current iteration will be in place until at least Oct. 1, 2021.