Los Angeles County could meet the requirements to move out of the most restrictive tier in the state's COVID-19 reopening framework as soon as next week.
Since the state imposed its color-coded system last year, L.A. County has never cleared the hurdle to enter the red tier, which would allow many business sectors -- like restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters -- to reopen or gradually restore capacity.
It would also allow schools to reopen for higher grade levels.
During today's press briefing, L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer fought back tears as she read accounts from students about how the pandemic has affected them:
"Our children have been through something that none of us experienced as children. And we owe them all our support, and our effort so that they can be as safe as possible as we move towards a more healthy future."
COVID-19 numbers will need to remain stable for two weeks in a row, and it's ultimately up to local officials to decide whether to relax any rules once the county gets permission from the state to do so.
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