BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - The State of California is relaxing its rules on gatherings as we head into the holiday season.

The guidelines are for all gatherings and parties, either at someone's house or at parks.

Butte County Public Information officer, Lisa Almaguer says there is always a concern when new guidance comes out and things loosen, that we could potentially see an increase in cases.

The state says gatherings of more than three households are not permitted at parks or someone's home.

If you're having a party at your house, the state recommends you take down people's names and numbers in case they have to do contact tracing later on.

The state's new guidelines also say you should have your parties outside and only let guests in to use the restroom.

Community member, Edward Robert, says he agrees with the new guidelines "It seems reasonable to me, I don't see why we can't do that.

But on the other hand, Lexi Gawthrop, from Chico, says "I think we should probably start getting back to normal."

The gatherings should no longer than two hours to help mimimize the risk of infection.

Almaguer told Action News Now, "The numbers continue to remain low in Butte County and we want to continue to this trend to move into the orange tier. Anytime people gather they increase the risk of getting Covid. We urge everyone if they are going to follow the new guidance to take every step to prevent spreading the illness."

Health officials say during these events you should continue wearing masks and following social distancing rules. 

The state's new gathering guidelines say singing, chanting, shouting and physical exertion increases the risk of transmission because of the quantity of respiratory droplets released into the air.