NEWS: California Sets Target Date for Full Reopening

California continues to make adjustments to its COVID-19 regulations.

California Beach

Recently, we’ve seen changes made to the state’s reopening guidelines as over 20 million vaccines have been administered. Now, California is beginning to look towards life post-pandemic, as they anticipate fully reopening the state.

According to the Los Angeles Times, California is aiming to fully reopen the state on June 15th. Governor Gavin Newsom said of the goal, “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.” The state will be able to return to business as usual, provided mask-wearing and testing take place and vaccinations are encouraged.

COVID-19 vaccination tents at the Disneyland Resort ©Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG

Specifically, June 15th will mark the end of California’s current reopening roadmap, which separates counties into one of four color-coded tiers. Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s health and human services secretary, specified that “The entire state will move into this phase as a whole. This will not be county-by-county.” These tiers had dictated what restrictions — including capacity limitations — applied to businesses and public spaces in each county.

©COVID19.ca.gov

On June 15th, all counties will essentially move into a final green tier, which will permit “normal” operations — alongside mask-wearing, continued vaccinations, and testing. There will be no specific capacity requirements for businesses. However, officials have stated that Newsom has no plans in the short-term to modify mask-wearing policies or lift the mandate.

Disney Face Mask

Ghaly emphasized, “If we see any concerning rise in our hospitalizations, we will take the necessary precautions.” The June 15th reopening depends on both a sufficient vaccine supply and a low number of hospitalizations. The state is currently seeing positive trends for both, but this is subject to change. And to contribute to vaccination efforts, Newsom hopes to drop the minimum age for vaccines from 16 to 12 — but only when FDA approval comes.

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Keep in mind that this June 15th reopening is highly subject to change, too. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more news and keep you posted. Stay tuned to DFB!