Photo by Roland Lizarondo

Above: Carlos Reyes, the chef at Mexican restaurant Pokéz, is pictured working at his restaurant on June 14, 2021.

Tuesday, June 15 is the day many local businesses have been waiting for as California’s color-coded tier system shuts down.

Customers can say goodbye to capacity limits, social distancing requirements, and those who are fully vaccinated can get rid of their face masks.

While some companies are eager to get back to normal, others are in no rush.

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Carlos Reyes, chef at Pokez Mexican Eatery, said they are taking a slower reopening approach.

“It doesn’t change much for us. We will continue to manage the operations with meals outside and a little inside as well, ”said Reyes.

He says vaccinated employees can feel free to give up the face mask.

“We like to let our employees know that if they feel comfortable with the mask it’s cool, if you don’t you don’t have to wear it if that is the rule”, said Reyes said.

While some downtown restaurants have already relaxed restrictions, many still have face mask requirements for customers, and some still require temperature checks.

“They took our temperature checks on my wrist,” Krizia Albuquerque said.

Albuquerque, a resident of San Diegan, said it was time to lift the restrictions.

“It means that people can be alone in deciding how to take care of themselves and others,” Albuquerque said.

While she believes some restrictions were necessary, Albuquerque doesn’t like employers asking whether employees have been vaccinated or not.

“It’s a very scary question,” she said.

Some restrictions in California will remain in place. Those who are not vaccinated are still required to wear a face mask. Masks will always be compulsory on all public transport and at airports.

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