Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, hopes for the state's economy to be rekindled by a new four-tier System Coronavirus Rules, which he announced on August 28, to stem the surge of COVID-19 transmission in the state.

The four-tier system is a color-coded classification of counties based on their daily new cases for every 100,000 people and the test positivity rate, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Tier 1 (Purple, Widespread Transmission) 

Under this tier, most businesses that are nonessential will not be allowed to open. Counties with more than seven new COVID positive cases per 100,000 people daily and an eight percent and above positivity rate will be placed under this classification.

Tier 2 (Red, Substantial Transmission) 

Counties with four to seven COVID cases per day for every 100,000 people and between five to eight percent positivity rate in testing will be put under this tier. While some nonessential businesses will already be allowed to open under this classification, those who operate indoor will not be allowed to open. 

Tier 3 (Orange, Moderate Transmission)

Under this classification, some businesses, both indoor and outdoor, will be allowed to open but with modifications. Daily new cases must be just between one and 3.9 per 100,000 people and positivity rate at just two to 4.9 percent.

Tier 4 (Yellow, Minimal Transmission)

Counties will be classified yellow if they have a daily count of less than one COVID positive case per 100,000 people. And, test positivity rate must be at less than two percent. Under this tier, most businesses can reopen but must still adhere to safety health protocols such as social distancing.

According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state will be more stubborn this time by applying the 4-tier system, which he said is more stringent and a steady approach to reviving the California economy. 

As put by an NBC report, counties classified on Tier 1 can allow a restaurant to open but only for outside dining. 

But, for counties under tiers 2-4, they can allow restaurants to serve customers indoors but at a reduced capacity. 

According to a report by the ABC, schools in counties classified as purple will not be allowed to open or hold face-to-face classes.

Each classification criteria will be the same for all 58 California counties.

For starters, all Southern California counties will be placed on Tier 1 except for San Diego. 

Following the governor's announcement, 38 counties were under Tier 1; nine on Tier 2, eight for Tier 3, and three for Tier 4.

Counties will be assessed weekly on whether they can change from a restrictive classification to a less restrictive one.

Or, if COVID cases in their county have worsened and they have to be moved to a more restrictive classification. Or, if no changes, they will be made to stay on their current classification.

Counties will have to meet tier criteria for two weeks before their classification will be changed. 

While changes will be announced every Tuesday starting September 8, data will be based on a full week earlier, according to information coming from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. 

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