As of June 15, 2021, capacity and distancing restrictions were lifted. The SMARTER Plan is California’s next stage of COVID-19 response. For more information, visit covid19.ca.gov
Public Health Order Information
- February 10, 2022 – Ventura County’s Indoor Mask Order Will be Lifted February 16, in Alignment with the State
- November 15, 2021 – Recommendation regarding Social Distancing and Continued Remote Meetings of Legislative Bodies
- October 18, 2021 – Ventura County Health Officer extends indoor face covering order and issues criteria for lifting order | View Public Health Order
- September 21, 2021 – Ventura County Public Health Recommendation Regarding Social Distancing and Remote Meetings of Legislative Bodies
- September 17, 2021 – Order of the Ventura County Health Officer Extending August 20, 2021 Order Requiring All Individuals in the County to Wear Face Coverings in All Indoor Public Settings and Businesses for the Control of COVID-19 | Press Release | Flyer
- August 20, 2021 – Order of the Ventura County Health Officer Directing All Individuals in the County to Wear Face Coverings in All Indoor Public Settings and Businesses for the Control of COVID-19 | Press Release | Flyer
- Order of the State Public Health Officer Unvaccinated Workers In High Risk Settings July 26, 2021
- State Public Health Officer Order of June 11, 2021
- Order of the County of Ventura Health Officer of June 28, 2021
Additional Information
What is different about the Delta variant?
Viruses constantly change through mutation. Delta variant has a shorter incubation period than other strains. This means that the person becomes infectious sooner and makes the contact tracing harder. As expected, multiple variants of COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally throughout this pandemic. The Delta variant is currently classified as a “variant of concern” in the United States.
What are the symptoms of the Delta variant?
The symptoms of the Delta variant are the same as the original version of COVID-19. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Evidence continues to show that vaccines help reduce the severity of symptoms and the rate of hospitalizations. Symptoms may appear 2-4 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, or new loss of taste or smell. For a full list of possible symptoms, visit the CDC website.
Is there a special COVID test for the Delta variant?
There is no special COVID test for the Delta variant. Most COVID-19 tests can be sequenced for the Delta variant. However, not all labs sequence all COVID-19 tests. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you are a candidate for the variant testing. Your healthcare provider may request the lab to sequence your COVID-19 specimen.
Are the vaccines effective against the Delta variant?
COVID-19 vaccines provide excellent protection from serious disease, even for the Delta variant.
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER INFORMATION
Review the most recent health orders here.
The Governor has ordered Californians to obey the directives of the State and Local Public Health Officer. Those directives take many forms; they include specific materials linked on this page, as well as these questions and answers. These questions and answers are directives from the State and Local Public Health Officer, and have the same force and effect as other State and Local Public Health Officer directives.
Yes. This is a legally enforceable order. It is against the law to violate this Order, and you may be punished by a fine or imprisonment for doing so.
At least six (6) feet, which is appropriately two to three steps away, including if you are on the bus or train. This is why it’s important to only take public transportation for essential activities–you want to help everyone be able to practice social distancing.
HEALTHCARE AND HELPING SICK RELATIVES
Please view the Long Term Care Facility Guidance Letter.
As our COVID-19 cases continue to improve and infection control practices (masking, social distancing, screening prior to entering the health care provider’s office and enhanced environmental cleaning) remain in place at all health care settings, we advise you to reach out to your health care provider for any questions or concerns. Please work with your health care provider for any routine medical appointments. For emergencies please call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest ED.
This guidance could potentially change if COVID cases in Ventura County were to increase again.
This guidance could potentially change if COVID cases in Ventura County were to increase again.
To the extent possible, all health care visits that are not cancelled or rescheduled should be done remotely.
If you are feeling sick, please first call your primary care doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center before going to the hospital. Check online resources like the CDC website if you are worried that you or a loved one has the COVID-19 virus. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you have deemed that you have an actual emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
If possible, walk or drive yourself to the hospital or medical provider. If someone else in your home is sick and can drop you off, that is another good option.
If you have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like a surgical mask or N-95 mask, you can wear that to prevent exposing others. If you don’t have that, you could use a temporary method such as wrapping a clean scarf around your mouth and nose to try to reduce droplets when you cough and sneeze. Although this is not an approved method, it is something you can do to avoid exposing others.
Yes. Be sure that you protect them and you by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
You are permitted to provide care or to help with getting supplies for loved ones. But don’t provide care or pick up supplies if you are sick and someone else can do it. If you are sick, please try to self-isolate or take other steps not to expose anyone else to your illness.
Yes, they can take place. All participants must be socially distanced and wear masks.
SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE
- Groups sizes are limited to a 14-1 ratio for each group (14 campers with one instructor).
- Each group must be stable. The same campers and instructor stay together and do not mix with other groups, including from day to day.
- Any camp activity must maintain 6-foot social distancing. Individual skills and drills can be done, but no group or contact sports such as a football or basketball games may be played.
Childcare facilities may only operate if they comply with the conditions of this Order as they related to child care. Among these conditions, children must be cared for in groups of 12 or fewer, groups of children may not mix with each other, and providers may not circulate between groups.
Yes.
Yes. Click here to find more information.
Yes, childcare is allowed. Childcare must follow the state issued childcare guidance. Childcare can be offered on school sites.
The state issued guidance for colleges and college sports on August 7 at the following link here.
WHAT CAN I DO?
- Beginning April 15, 2021, indoor live events or performances for venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people can open in the Orange Tier. This can be with 15% capacity or 200 people, whichever is less. If all guests are tests or show proof of full vaccination, the capacity can increase to 35%.
- Venues 1,501 and above can open at 10% capacity or 2000, whichever is fewer, and no eating or drinking.
- In-state visitors only.
- May occur at 33% capacity and includes suites with 25% occupancy per suite in the Orange Tier under Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances. May occur at a maximum of 67% capacity if all guests are tested and show proof of full vaccination.
- Venues 1,501 and above can open at 10% capacity or 2000, whichever is fewer, and no eating or drinking.
- In-state visitors only.
- Parks must limit visitors to a maximum of 25% capacity in the Orange Tier under the Amusement Parks and Theme Park guidance.
- Outdoor services may be performed with up to 100 people or a lesser number up to what the venue can safely support while physically distanced.
- Indoor funeral services are allowed following places of worship guidance at 50 percent capacity, up to 100 people, while safely physically distanced.
Bowling alleys can follow the Fitness Center Guidance to the extent that they are providing organized recreational opportunities as outlined in Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Recreational Adult Sports which is 10% maximum occupancy.
Opening to the general public at 25% occupancy may occur in the Orange Tier under Family Entertainment.
If all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination, 50% capacity is allowed.
All businesses need to file for reopening at vcreopens.com.
Indoor pools may open at 25% capacity with modifications.
Recommended guidance for residential pools and non-residential pools
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Guidance for Re-opening & Operating All Non-residential Swimming Pools
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Guidance for Re-opening & Operating Swimming Pools in Shared Residential Settings
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Orientación Para La Reapertura Y Operación De Piscinas en Instalaciones Residenciales Partidos
- Outdoor wedding ceremonies are allowed. Masks and social distancing required.
- No reception or party permitted.
- Indoor ceremonies are permitted with 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever number is less.
- Effective April 15, 2021, outdoor wedding ceremonies are allowed with a maximum of 100 people. A maximum of 300 guests outdoor or 150 people indoor is permitted if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination.
Yes, bingo operators can provide bingo outdoors or indoor limited to 25% capacity in the Orange Tier.
Places of worship can offer services indoors following the industry guidance with modifications. Indoor activities must be limited to the State's interim capacity of 50% in the Orange Tier.
Yes, garage sales can take place. . Maintain mask and social distancing safe practices.
Yes, pet grooming is allowed and must follow the Limited Services guidance.
Drive thru events, including parades, are discouraged as it takes individuals away from their home and may result in mixing with others outside their household.
These are allowed under the current state guidelines for gatherings.
Scouts and groups like 4H for kids are permitted under the cohorting guidance. The guidance applies to youth programs and recreational programs for kids. View the guidance here.
Open air markets are allowed if the main activity of the market is to allow people to shop in an outdoor environment for goods and/or food. No events/gatherings, live music, entertainment, or other activities that encourage lingering or gathering of people are allowed. Outdoor shopping operators must meet local permitting requirements and follow the guidance for Shopping Centers.
Karaoke can resume with the following modifications:
- Use disposable microphone covers, sanitizing the microphone after each user, and use a no-touch digital songbook.
- Solo or duet (from same household) singers/musicians can perform outdoors at restaurants, bars, or wineries.
- The soloist/duet must stay at least 20 feet away from patrons and not amplify the music to the point where people have to lean in to be heard.
- The live music cannot cause people to gather. It should be for the benefit of the business patrons who are already seated and not to attract people to gather around the performers and/or stage.
- All other local and state guidance must be followed.
Yes, RV parks may be open with modifications.
Live music is allowed outdoors with the following modifications:
- Live solo or duet (from same household) singers/musicians can perform outdoors at restaurants, bars, or wineries.
- The soloist/duet must stay at least 20 feet away from patrons and not amplify the music to the point where people have to lean in to be heard.
- The live music cannot cause people to gather. It should be for the benefit of the business patrons who are already seated and not to attract people to gather around the performers and/or stage.
Yes, tanning salons must follow the state guidance for Limited Services.
Persons seeking signatures on voter initiatives or referenda, those campaigning for elected office and their campaign workers may engage with resident’s door-to-door, but must wear a mask, should maintain a 6-foot distance from residents whenever possible and should disinfect equipment, pens, clipboard, touch pads, shared materials and/or mobile terminals after each interaction.
All other solicitors can leave materials such as doorhangers or flyers at the doorstep, but cannot ring the doorbell, knock on the door or otherwise attempt to engage with residents.
The Regional Stay Home Order instructs Californians to stay at home unless it is for an essential matter. Food distribution events are an essential facet of ensuring a food supply to families and individuals suffering from financial and/or food insecurity. To the extent possible, vehicles should contain a single household, and all drive in participants should be masked and follow appropriate physical distancing.
Business guidance and restrictions are listed at our www.VCreopens.org webpage.
- Short-term rentals do not need to register at VCReopens.com. Attestation is included through permit issuance.
Yes. Because cannabis may be used for medicinal purposes, cannabis stores qualify as a “Healthcare Operation” under the broad definition of that term in the current health officer order and therefore are allowed to continue to operate, subject to the restrictions generally applicable to all Essential Businesses under the current health officer order and all otherwise applicable laws.
Yes.
SHOPPING, GETTING AROUND, DAILY NEEDS, AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Open indoors with 50% max occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
Open indoors with 50% max occupancy.
Yes, swap meets can be open.
Yes. Wineries, distilleries and breweries can open indoors with 25% max occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer; only members of same household may share a table.
Yes, open indoors with 25% max occupancy.
Yes, they can. A partition, between the golf cart riders, is recommended but not required.
Grocery stores, farmers markets and other food retailers may operate at 100% of capacity.
Gyms, fitness facilities, martial arts studios, yoga studios, pilates studios, dance studios, and similar facilities are allowed to operate. Please refer to the Gym and Fitness Center Guidance for Tier restrictions such as capacity, indoor or outdoor use, and equipment modifications.
NOTE: One-on-one personal fitness training can follow the guidance for Limited Services.
Outdoor and indoor professional photography is permitted. Professional photography must adhere to social distancing protocols. Commercial photo shoots must obtain a permit by the local permitting agency, such as a city. Commercial photo shoots fall under the guidelines for “Music, Film, and Television,” and must meet additional requirements which can be viewed at www.venturacountyfilm.com.
To report a business operating in violation of this order, you may call the COVID Business Compliance line at 805-202-1805 or email CovidCompliance@ventura.org.
Non accredited art schools that perform after school youth and adult programs can operate under the Day Camps and Cohorts guidance. The business must register to be open at www.VCreopens.com.
Currently (Tier 1), post-secondary art schools must remain closed for indoor lectures and student gatherings. Some courses conducted in certain indoor settings, like labs and studio arts, may be open. Post-secondary art schools must follow the state guidance for Higher Education and register to be open at www.VCreopens.com under the Educational Services category.
For businesses that have assemblies, classrooms, dining, drinking, or similar purposes of 50 or more, they should have the total occupant load sign posted inside the business. If a business does not have a sign posted, they need to call their fire department jurisdiction for information.
- County Fire Department: 805-389-9738
For all businesses in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County and the cities of Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ojai, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Port Hueneme
- City of Fillmore Fire Department: 805-524-1500 ext. 226
- City of Oxnard Fire Department: 805-385-7722
- City of Ventura: 1-844-VCOPENS (1-844-826-7367)
Temporary outdoor structures must be approved by the local permitting authority. Click here to see what is allowed for compliant outdoor seating.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should follow the guidance for office workspaces: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-office-workspaces--en.pdf. More information can be found at https://www.venturacountyfilm.com/permit/.
Yes, salons and barbershops may operate indoors in all tiers.
Yes, these businesses can operate indoors with modifications.
Yes, massage services are allowed indoors with modifications.>
Yes, these businesses can operate indoors with modifications.
Yes, hair salons can operate indoors with modifications.
Yes, nail salons can operate indoors with modifications.
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
What regulations apply to workplaces and employers?
Employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), if applicable to them.
Can a business require proof of vaccination to enter the business?
In California, there is nothing in the law prohibiting a business from requesting proof of vaccination in order for a patron to enter or receive services. The County has no jurisdiction over such individual business decisions implemented by a private business to protect the safety of employees and customers. This is in contrast to the prohibitions and requirements put into place on businesses under the State and Local Health Emergency Orders, Public Health Orders, the State’s related Blueprint for a Safer Economy tier system and Industry Guidance regarding COVID-19. Those orders and the requirements/prohibitions put on businesses are enforceable by the County per several state laws, including but not limited to Government Code section 8665 and Health and Safety Code sections 10129 and 120295.
Are vaccines required? No, they are optional.
County of Ventura does not require vaccines and there is no vaccine passport requirement. The County does not intend to issue a vaccine passport requirement. While we encourage everyone to get vaccinated for individual and community protection against serious complications from COVID-19 infection, vaccination is an individual choice.
How can I get a copy of my vaccination record if I lose my vaccination card?
- Get a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.
- You can request a copy of your vaccination records directly from the California Immunization Registry by filling out this form: https://cairforms.cairweb.org/AuthorizationToRelease/AuthorizationToRelease. If you are not able to complete this form, contact the CAIR Help Desk 800-578-7889 or CAIRHelpDesk@cdph.ca.gov
How does the COVID-19 vaccine prevent COVID?
COVID-19 vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. Our immune systems recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies. It typically takes 2 weeks after receiving all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for the body to build immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
Will receiving the COVID-19 vaccine give me COVID?
No, none of the vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so receiving the COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. However, you may experience some mild side effects from the vaccine, which are normal signs that your body is building protection.
What should I do if, for health reasons, I am unable to get the vaccine?
Continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted face covering and staying 6 feet from others in public. Talk to your healthcare provider about which COVID-19 vaccine is right for you.
Why should I get vaccinated if I can still get COVID-19?
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine builds immunity against the infection and can reduce the severity of the COVID-19 illness. COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people around the world. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself but also your loved ones and others who may have a weaker immune system.
Can I get COVID-19 if I have been vaccinated?
COVID-19 vaccines are very effective. However, a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated may still get the infection if they are exposed to the COVID-19 virus. These are called “vaccine breakthrough cases”. However, fully vaccinated people are much less likely to get severely sick than those who are unvaccinated. Scientists continue to monitor and evaluate how often this occurs, how severe their illness is, and how likely a vaccinated person is to spread COVID-19 to others.
Is it advisable to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to prevent some of the side effects of the vaccine prior to receiving the vaccine?
Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken for the treatment of side effects AFTER getting the vaccine. However, taking these medications prior to your vaccination just to prevent side effects is not recommended by the CDC.
Other vaccines have taken years to create, and the COVID-19 vaccine was created in a short period, is it safe?
COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades. They went through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective.
When will booster shots be available? / Should I get a booster?
The need for and timing of COVID-19 booster doses have not been established. No additional doses are recommended at this time.
Are masks required?
Ventura County’s local Health Officer Order requiring masking in all indoor public places was lifted on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 in alignment with State’s masking policy. Public Health, in alignment with the California Department of Public Health, continues to strongly recommend masks to be used as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus especially when case rates are high, or when additional personal protection is needed. Continuing to mask in indoor public settings, especially crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, remains the safest choice for an individual and protects those who are medically vulnerable or are not able to get vaccinated, like young children. As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus. For more information, click here.
The State order continues to require masking in some indoor public places regardless of vaccination status, including healthcare facilities, childcare settings, homeless shelters, emergency shelters, corrections, long-term care facilities and public transit. Workplaces will continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention standards set by CalOSHA.
What are the exemptions for mask wearing?
The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all times:
- Children under two years old, due to the risk of suffocation.
- People with:
- A medical condition,
- Mental health condition, or
- Disability that precludes wearing a mask. This includes:
- Those for whom a mask could obstruct breathing
- Who are unconscious or incapacitated
- Unable to remove a mask without assistance
- People for whom seeing the mouth is essential for communication:
- Hearing impaired, or
- Those communicating with a person who is hearing impaired.
- People for whom wearing a mask would create a risk as they work, as determined by:
- Local, state, or federal regulators, or
- Workplace safety guidelines.
Are masks required at places of worship?
The face covering requirement is highly recommended but not mandatory for places of worship.
Do the vaccines cause infertility?
There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause female or male fertility problems. If you are trying to become pregnant now or planning in the future, it is safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Scientists are continuously evaluating any side effects of the vaccine and will advise the public with the latest evidence-based recommendations.
Is it safe to get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, if you are pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated while you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider. Based on how these vaccines work in the body, COVID-19 vaccines are not a risk to lactating people or their breastfed babies. Therefore, breastfeeding people can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
CDPH and the CDC recommend delaying travel until persons are fully vaccinated, because travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
View the California Department of Public Health Travel Advisory.
For recommendations on how to protect your family members and loved ones, please visit:
