California's Governor Talks Restaurant Re-Openings In Today's Press Briefing

The state of California has slowly been re-opening in accordance with Governor Newsom’s Four-Stage Plan.

Disneyland Main Entrance – Closed

The state recently transitioned into Phase Two, which reopens retail stores and select restaurants with modifications. Today, Governor Newsom commented on how the state has been progressing since moving into this second phase.

Newsom noted the state is increasing frequency of tests and is working towards a goal of 60-80 thousand tests per day. However, the uptick in positive tests yesterday re-enforced the importance of reaching that goal promptly.

Disney California Adventure entrance

Newsom stated over 70% of the state is “open with modifications,” but more modified experiences are set to re-open soon — specifically, office spaces for those who cannot work at home, car washes, pet grooming, and outlet malls for pickup orders only.

Disneyland

The briefing stressed that guidelines will be state, county, and business specific. Regional variances will not be “static announcements” but will be responsive to certain criteria being met at the local level.

Newsom stated that the state has chosen to work towards flexibility and not provide a prescriptive approach like “states that decided to open at 25%, 30%, etc.”

An empty Downtown Disney

The California Department of Public Health released this document of guidelines for restaurant re-opening, but Newsom noted the state is “not there” yet in regards to transitioning to Phase Three.

He stated the “worst mistake” they could make is to “take the masks off” and resume normal operations too soon. He hopes with a flexible approach, businesses like restaurants and their employees can make the decision to not come back if they don’t feel it is safe to do so.

Disneyland Main Entrance

Disneyland Resort still remains closed, but large “high risk” crowded gatherings are not slated to open until Phase Four of Newsom’s plan. As California assesses whether it plans to re-open dine-in restaurants in the upcoming weeks, Disney World is already approaching it’s phased re-opening in Disney Springs.