That means some businesses and activities are finally getting the green light to resume.
[Ads /]
RELATED: 89-year-old gets COVID vaccine so he can get back to dancing across NYC
Cocktails were being mixed at B&V Whiskey Bar on the Sonoma Town Square. A move to the red tier means customers can eat and drink inside at limited capacity.
"I am encouraged that people are getting vaccinated and people feel more confident eating out," said owner Carlo Cavallo.
The historic Sebastiani Theater is almost ready for its closeup after being closed one year. Theater manager Roger Rhoten will now be allowed start showing movies with a 25 percent capacity audience.
"Everyone has missed coming to the theater and movies on the big screen, so we're excited about that," said Rhoten.
VIDEO: Bay Area brewery releases beer 'no more TIERS' as new reopening guidelines are announced
Bay Area brewery releases 'No More TIERS' upon reopening
[Ads /]
Sonoma County has faced some of the harshest restrictions in the state as COVID-19 case rates spiked, but those numbers are improving.
"This means progress, it's been a year. This county has never been out of the purple tier, basically we've been hammered," said Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore.
Breakfast was being served inside the Copper Skillet Courtyard Restaurant in Martinez, not having to sit outside in the cold meant everything Cheryl Oliveri.
"It's like filet mignon versus hamburger, it's our grand-baby's first visit to the restaurant. It's nice to be inside versus outside," said Oliveri.
RELATED: Italy prepares for Easter lockdown as COVID cases grow exponentially
Owner Jay Ebrahini is encouraged to his see loyal customers returning.
[Ads /]
"Business is better than outside, so it's beneficial. More tables inside so all this is a plus for us," said Ebrahini.
Contra Costa County is also moving to the red tier. officials say coronavirus cases have slowed and vaccine doses have reached 400,000 arms.
For many, it's a small step forward, back toward the life we knew.
"So obviously we need to wear a mask and space six feet apart, but I think people need to go back to what's normal today," said Richard Fields from Oakland.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
- VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic