A year ago today, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus a pandemic. The lockdowns that followed have come to define the past 12 months for much of the world. From statewide lockdowns and travel restrictions to stay-at-home orders and physical distancing measures, the COVID-19 pandemic altered the course of our lives.

A year and more than 29 million cases later in the US alone, following relevant public health guidelines remains our best tool in controlling the further spread of the Coronavirus. Even as the vaccination program is well underway here in California and across the country, the COVID-19 threat is still very real. 

As we mark the one year anniversary of the pandemic and the lockdowns that soon followed, let's take a look at the existing Sacramento health protocols — what's changed, what's staying the same, and what to expect for the future.

Current Sacramento COVID-19 Tier Assignment

The rise in projected ICU availability prompted the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to lift the regional stay-at-home order across the state at the end of January. Despite the easing of restrictions, however, counties still have to adhere to a new tier system, with risk-based, corresponding guidelines. As of writing, the Greater Sacramento area is currently under Purple Tier 1 — meaning COVID cases in the county are still widespread.

Under the Purple Tier, a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and business operations are allowed under reduced operational capacity. Statewide industry guidance for businesses details which business establishments are authorized for either indoor or outdoor operations.

Businesses like gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, and museums are only allowed to operate outdoors. Meanwhile, retail and shopping centers, grocery stores, hair salons, and barbershops qualify for indoor operations with safety measures. 

After meeting the criteria of less than 14 per 100,000 new COVID cases last week, in-person instruction for elementary schools grades K-12 is also resuming in Sacramento. This new development also covers outdoor low to high-contact sports activities with strict adherence to mitigation measures and sports guidance requirements. Religious gatherings also remain limited. Places of worship may only operate at 25% maximum capacity. 

Even as Sacramento county begins to reopen, we strongly encourage you to still follow the basic safety protocols — like wearing face masks and social distancing to ensure your and your family's safety, as well as our whole community.

Face Coverings Are Essential

Ever since the pandemic began, face masks have been one of the pillars of COVID safety standards. The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of wearing face coverings to control the spread of COVID-19 is indisputable. Not only do they help limit the release of infectious respiratory droplets generated from talking, coughing, sneezing, and breathing, but they can also help you avoid inhaling those particles from others. 

Here in California, you are required to wear a mask when outside of your home unless the exemptions stipulated in the CDHP face coverings guidance apply to you. Wearing a face mask or a cloth face covering also reinforces other COVID safety measures like social distancing and proper hand hygiene. It's a simple act that can go a long way in protecting yourself and others.

Always Stay Six Feet Apart

After being holed up at home for the past year, many are now gradually returning to doing the activities they used to do with friends and family. While socializing is a necessary step to counter the pandemic's adverse effects on your mental health, it's still important to observe social distancing. 

When talking about social distancing measures, you might automatically think of keeping a six-foot distance from other people outside your household. While that is not incorrect, staying socially distanced also means wearing face masks or face coverings, limiting your time spent in crowded places, and avoiding large gatherings.

With vaccination numbers steadily increasing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its first set of guidelines for fully vaccinated people, providing guidance on who they can visit and what protocols to follow. However, whether or not you're fully vaccinated, everyone should continue to adhere to mitigation measures, especially when outside your household.

The fatigue from a year of lockdowns, the increase in vaccinations, and the drop in case numbers might lead you to relax with how you follow safety protocols. As excited as you are to put an end to all this, though, COVID-19 remains a serious public health threat. 

Despite daily cases falling, we are currently at the same numbers as last summer’s spike of 50 to 60,000 cases a day. You and your family are still at risk from COVID-19 until those numbers fall more and more people are vaccinated. Until we achieve herd immunity by vaccinating 70-90% of the population (we’re at 10% at the time of writing), you should always strictly follow the minimum COVID safety guidelines.

Let's All Help Prevent a Second Pandemic Anniversary

There's no question that the past twelve months have been challenging for us all. Whether you lost a loved one, lost your job, closed down your business, suffered from anxiety and stress, or have been infected by the virus yourself, we've all dealt with hardships due to the pandemic in one way or another. Despite going through those challenges, though, your resilience, tenacity, and courage have been nothing short of inspiring.   

The ongoing vaccination campaign here in California is an excellent reason for renewed hope and optimism. However, it's important not to let your guard down and to still follow safety protocols so that the hardships we’ve endured won't be for naught. 

Anniversaries are usually celebrated as an important milestone in our lives, but perhaps we can all agree that no one is looking forward to a second pandemic anniversary. It's going to take every last one of us to prevent that from happening. From getting vaccinated to following the health protocols, a happier 2021 is possible if we all work together.