EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles County is facing new developments this week related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the new AstraZeneca vaccine, school protocols, and a possible shift into the orange tier of California's economic reopening system.

In a new interview with LA Times Today host Lisa McRee, county Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer weighed in on it all.

On the matter of AstraZeneca, Ferrer stressed that we don't have all the data just yet — particularly regarding side effects involving blood clots — but hopes that, if all goes well, we could have a fourth vaccine in circulation by the end of April.

"The preliminary results that they released today are very promising," said Ferrer.

Ferrer also addressed the newly adjusted school guidelines to just three feet apart instead of six, cautioning how it always comes down to risk and that more distance and face coverings reduce that risk of transmission. Meanwhile, she repeatedly noted her respect for the school administrators "working tirelessly" to create safe spaces for students when they return.

"We always said from the beginning, every school district has to make their own decisions about how they're going to create an environment that's as safe as possible for their school community," Ferrer added.

Ferrer also offered advice for those who wish to travel for spring break or the Easter holiday, reminding residents that California maintains a travel advisory that warns against traveling for recreation.

Meanwhile, if the county's case rate dips below 4 per 100,000, Ferrer noted the possibility of moving into the next tier in early April.

"That orange tier does afford us both an opportunity to have increased capacity at some of the sites that are already open," said Ferrer. "Some places that are only open outdoors could, in fact, start going back inside with very small capacity, like our amusement centers, bowling alleys."

Click the arrow above for the interview. Watch LA Times Today at 7 and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday on Spectrum News 1 and the app.