California’s biggest step to get back to “normalcy” after the pandemic came in a big announcement from the state on Tuesday.
Officials said California’s four-tier color-coded reopening system will be removed on June 15 and restrictions will be almost completely removed for businesses and activities.
“We will move beyond the plane and ditch the color levels, bypassing the dimmer switch,” Newsom said Tuesday during a briefing at the City College vaccination site in San Francisco. Get rid of the plane as you know it today. That’s June 15 if we continue our good work. “
Here are the details on what the plan means for people who live, work, and go to school in the Bay Area.
Why is this happening now?
The target date is based on eligibility for the vaccination that will open statewide on April 15 for anyone 16 and older who wants one, with the expectation that the vaccine supply will increase significantly in the coming months.
What will it reopen?
All sectors and activities listed in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy chart will be able to resume normal operations on June 15 as long as health and safety guidelines are followed, such as mask use and activity vaccination verification requirements. higher risk. . That will happen if the state continues to meet its vaccine goals and hospitalizations remain low.
Will I still need to wear a mask?
Yes. The mask’s mandate will remain intact indefinitely to help protect people who are not yet vaccinated, especially children under the age of 16, who have not been approved for vaccinations.
Will my children be able to go back to school?
Schools and institutions of higher education can resume full-time classroom instruction while continuing to follow public health protocols.
Can I wait to get back to the office?
Workplaces can be reopened by implementing health standards, including improving interior ventilation and requiring employees to wear masks indoors and in other high-risk environments.
What about big events?
California Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mark Ghaly said Tuesday that he believes sporting events, concerts and festivals will return to full capacity with health protocols that include masking.
For in-person conventions, attendance will be limited to 5,000 through October 1, unless testing or immunization status is verified for all attendees. Attendees of the international convention will only be able to participate if they are fully vaccinated.
I can travel?
Travelers will be subject to travel restrictions from the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Both agencies discourage non-essential travel for people who are not yet fully vaccinated. since they can generate new infections and the possible introduction of new variants in the state. Quarantine and testing guidelines are still in effect for people who have not been fully vaccinated.
What if cases increase again in California?
Ghaly said in a call Tuesday with reporters that if California sees another increase, officials could pull out of the reopening. He said they are looking at the data and keeping a close eye on hospitalizations especially.
“If we see a worrying increase in our hospitalizations, we will take the necessary precautions,” he said. “But right now we are hopeful in what we are seeing as we continue to build on the 20 million vaccines that have already been administered.”
Kellie Hwang is a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected]