After posting a case rate of more than 7 cases per 100,000 residents for two consecutive weeks, the state is placing the County in the Purple Tier, the most restrictive level of its system that limits activities based on risk of spreading COVID-19. The County will remain in the Purple Tier for at least three weeks. It won’t be able to advance to the Red Tier unless it posts a case rate below 7 cases per 100,000 residents two weeks in a row. The new restrictive tier will take effect 12:01am Saturday, so all businesses can operate as they are currently operating through the end of their business day on Friday.
This is a day none of us wanted to or expected to see. It is our hope that the small businesses in Carlsbad Village have the strength and stamina to withstand this next phase and that their amazing, loyal customers will go the extra mile to see them through. What does “moving into the Purple Tier” mean to Carlsbad Village businesses?
Moving from the red tier to the purple tier will impact businesses differently than reopenings and closures back in May. In May, playgrounds, hair salons and personal care businesses remained closed well after restaurants reopened. This time in the purple tier, they can remain fully open. Gyms, churches, theaters, zoos, museums, and restaurants, however, will be expected to operate entirely outdoors. Retail stores will have to cut back to 25% occupancy, but thankfully will remain open.
The biggest impact to Carlsbad Village businesses involves the dining scene. For the next three weeks, all restaurants will have to revert to outdoor dining only, augmented with take out, curbside pickup, and delivery. In short, indoor dining will cease. To learn about the eateries in Carlsbad Village and what they offer in terms of outdoor dining, takeout, and more, click HERE for a full list.
While this is a tremendous blow to Carlsbad Village businesses, we are committed to getting through this together. And we are committed to the safety of our community. Thank you for your continued support of the downtown retail, dining, and service businesses.
