CDPH Updates Blueprint Guidance for Certain Sectors, Adds Prioritized Populations for Vaccine Eligibility

This week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued two significant updates related to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. These announcements are detailed below:

Blueprint Updates to Allow Additional Activities

CDPH updated public health guidance in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to allow for additional safe and sustainable reopening activities statewide. These updates include:

• Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries: Beginning March 13, breweries, wineries, and distilleries that do not serve meals may open outdoors only with modifications in the Purple (widespread) and Red (substantial) tiers. The updated guidance requires that patrons make reservations and observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for on-site consumption must end by 8:00 pm. In the Orange (moderate) tier, indoor operations may begin with 25 percent of maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. In the Yellow (minimal) tier, indoor operations may increase to 50 percent of maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer. The updated guidance does not apply to breweries, wineries, or distilleries that provide meals.

• Bars: Beginning March 13, bars that do not serve meals remain closed in the Purple (widespread) and Red (substantial) tiers. In the Orange (moderate) tier, bars may begin outdoor operations with modifications. In the Yellow (minimal) tier, bars may begin indoor operations with modifications of 25 percent maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

• Overnight Sleepaway Camps: Beginning June 1, overnight sleepaway camps will be allowed to resume operations with modifications in the Red, Orange, and Yellow tiers.

Vaccine Eligibility Continues to Expand

CDPH additionally this week issued guidance on prioritized populations eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Of note, individuals in specified settings, including those who reside or work in a high-risk congregate residential setting (e.g., correctional facility, homeless shelter, behavioral health facility) will be eligible to receive a vaccine beginning March 15. The state’s updated guidance additionally includes public transit, airport, and commercial airline employees in the prioritized populations to be eligible to receive a vaccine beginning March 15.

These populations are in addition to the previously announced eligibility expansion to individuals with high-risk underlying health conditions or a developmental or high-risk disability. 

An updated provider bulletin is available here. A fact sheet for the public is available here. The full updated COVID-19 vaccine eligibility guidelines are accessible here.