California COVID-19 reopening tracker

Tracking California’s coronavirus closures and reopenings

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s reopening plan regulated how the California economy would restart in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How each county was rated

A four-tier classification system strictly governed when and how areas were reopened.

California’s reopening risk tiers

Tier 1

Widespread

Most nonessential indoor business operations were closed

Tier 2

Substantial

Some nonessential indoor business operations were closed

Tier 3

Moderate

Some business operations could open with modifications

Tier 4

Minimal

Most business operations could open with modifications

Shown is the status of each of the state's 58 counties on June 15.

Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4

Hover for more information.

The tier assignments were released weekly. Here is how they shifted over time.

Weekly tier assignments by county
California Department of Public Health, Times analysis

Track coronavirus vaccinations in California

Explore the data tracking the state’s COVID-19 vaccine supply to see how and where it has been distributed so far.

The metrics that mattered

Over the course of 2020, state leaders used a shifting series of metrics to guide decision-making.

The state used three statistics to judge counties. With some exceptions, the metrics needed to surpass the benchmark for the next tier in order to loosen restrictions.

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Exempt
Adjusted case rate
New cases in a recent seven-day period were divided into the population. Rates were modified in some areas to account for testing volume.
Positive test rate
The percentage of tests in a recent seven-day period that came back positive.
Equity index
Disparities in disadvantaged neighborhoods compared to the county overall.

What was restricted in your county?

Here were the key metrics in each county and what was restricted when the state ended its tier system on June 15. Some counties and businesses may still choose to be more restrictive. You should consult local authorities for current guidance.