By Mike Hazlip–
Citrus Heights restaurants were quick to reopen outdoor dining this week, following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement Tuesday that the Greater Sacramento Region has qualified to exit a state-imposed stay at home order issued last month.
The new health order comes as regional four-week ICU availability is projected to be greater than 15%, according to the county’s public health department. The regional stay at home order took effect Dec. 10 and prevented non essential travel, among other restrictions.
Area restaurants reacted to the unexpected news with positive notes, although some had been offering outdoor dining throughout December, despite the prior order. Crepes & Burgers’ social media page quickly announced Tuesday: “Effective immediately we will be allowed to continue service on our outdoor patio.”
Leatherby’s Family Creamery also took to social media, announcing “outside patio service is officially open at all our locations!”
Alan Liddawi, owner of Yalla Yalla Mediterranean Bakery, was also pleased with the news, but said his business has been “surviving,” only thanks to repeat customers.
Stones Gambling Hall will reportedly reopen its outdoor gaming area on Friday at noon, according to one of the casino’s partners. Sammy’s Restaurant is expected to also resume at the same time.
Although the stay-at-home restriction has been lifted, Sacramento County remains in the most-restrictive “Purple Tier” of COVID-19 restrictions, prompting Assemblyman James Gallagher to criticize the governor in a social media post on Tuesday.
“The Gov came out with exciting news today… the Sacramento region is off Regional Stay at Home Order and back to… Purple Tier.. where you are still shut down,” he said, with ellipses. “It’s kind of like his school re-opening plan where schools don’t actually get opened.”
Read full county health order: click here
The Purple Tier allows businesses to conduct outdoor operations, such as cardrooms, family entertainment centers, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters with 25% capacity, museums, zoos, aquariums, places of worship with 25% capacity, playgrounds, restaurants, and wineries.
Indoor operations are allowed for all retail at 25% capacity, entertainment and broadcast studios, hair salons and barbershops, hotels and lodging, libraries with 25% capacity, nail salons, personal care services, professional sports without live audience, shopping centers with 25% capacity.
