STORY BY TOMOKI CHIEN AND GIL RUBINSTEIN
Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday unveiled a plan to fully reopen the state on June 15, given that the vaccine supply is sufficient to accommodate the 16-and-up age bracket and hospitalization rates are “stable and low.”
“With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, it is time to turn the page on our tier system and begin looking to fully reopen California’s economy,” Newsom said. “We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant, and continue the practices that got us here — wearing masks and getting vaccinated — but the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter.”
All businesses will be able to return to usual operations following “common sense” risk reduction measures such as masking requirements, as well as testing and vaccination requirements in certain settings — specifically in large-scale indoor events.
State guidance also mandates that schools offer full-time in-person instruction at that point, subject to unspecified health guidelines.
Vaccine eligibility is set to expand to the 16-and-up age bracket on April 15,even as local counties continue to struggle with sporadic and low vaccine supply.
“The state, in partnership with local government, health care providers and community-based organizations, will continue its extensive efforts to get eligible Californians vaccinated,” a press release from Newsom’s office reads. “Equity continues to be the focus of our vaccine efforts, especially as we prepare to fully reopen.”
