COVID-19 restrictions lifted; still some mask exceptions

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Riverside County’s COVID-19 numbers dropped low enough to move the county into the “minimal risk” yellow tier today – the day the colored tier system was dropped by state health officials.

Today was also the day the state dropped most COVID-19 restrictions, including capacity limits, social distancing requirements, and required use of masks. Some restrictions may remain, however, depending on the type of business.

According to today’s news release from the Riverside County Health Department, all restaurants, bars, wineries, breweries, gyms, theaters and places of worship may open indoors at full capacity without social distancing. Meetings, receptions and conferences may resume without testing or vaccination requirements, although those requirements may remain for events of more than 5,000 indoors or 10,000 outdoors.

Customers at most businesses are not required to wear masks, although some businesses in Menifee continued to post “masks required” signs today. Masks are still required when using public transportation or while at hospitals and medical centers.

One issue that could evolve before August is the remaining requirement for students to wear masks at public schools. Administrators at all school districts in Menifee said last week they are obligated to follow state guidelines regarding masks and hope the requirement will be lifted before the next school year.

For the most updated information on mask requirements, visit this website.