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State Establishes New System For Coronavirus Reopenings; May Slow Process For Central, South Coasts

The state has unveiled new coronavirus health guidelines which will slow the rate of reopenings, as California tries to get a better handle on the crisis.

The new system sets up four categories, with color codes.  Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties are all in the purple category, which is the furthest from total reopening. 

The governor says instead of having to meet specific guideposts in six categories, counties will be monitored using two categories, which are the total number of new cases, and the positivity rate.  Counties must meet the new criteria for three weeks before they can move to the next, more liberal category.

The new guidelines take effect Monday.  But, the state did have some good reopening news.  All counties will be able to allow barbershops, and hair salons to reopen for indoor service Monday.  But, the final decision is in the hands of the counties.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral.