California joins a spate of shutdowns across the country as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations worsen across the United States
Joanna Fantozzi
Following the initial closure of indoor businesses operations in 30 counties earlier in July, California is now expanding the shutdown of indoor dining at restaurants and wineries to all 58 California counties. The order also includes a complete shutdown of all bars.
Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement on July 13 as the state fights a surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations that have been steadily increasing since June. California has reported an average of 8,000 new cases daily, according to data from The New York Times.
The 30 counties on the state’s watch list where new COVID-19 cases have hit dire levels — including Alameda County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County — are also being ordered to close shopping malls, gyms, churches, barbershops and salons. In total, more than 80% of California’s population lives in the 30 counties on California COVID-19 watch list, according to ABC News.
“This virus is not going away any time soon,” Newsom said in a press conference. “It’s incumbent upon all of us to recognize soberly that COVID -19 is not going away any time soon, until there is a vaccine and/or an effective therapy.”
The governor's order also includes a ban on indoor operations of movie theaters, family entertainment, zoos and museums.
California is not the only jurisdiction fully or partially shutting down indoor dining again as COVID-19 cases continue to climb:
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on July 9 ordered that restaurants operate at 50% dining room capacity, after indoor dining had been open for two months. On July 10, Arizona reported a total of 116,892 cases and 2,082 deaths, according to AZ Central.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez shut down indoor dining again effective July 9, but continues to allow outdoor dining and delivery/takeout options. The emergency move in response to the surge in coronavirus cases in Florida prompted restaurant operators to protest, saying Gimenez is using small businesses “as a scapegoat,” according to The Miami New Times.
Las Vegas shut down all bar operations again on July 10. The closures include bars, pubs, breweries, distillieres, wineries and taverns and will subsist for at least two weeks.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms — who recently tested positive for coronavirus — announced on July 10 that she is reinstating Phase 1 guidelines for the city following the increase in cases. Phase 1 recommends that restaurants reclose their doors for indoor dining. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called the mayor’s actions “mere guidance, both non-binding and legally unenforceable.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham shut down indoor dining and is allowing outdoor dining to operate at 50% capacity, effective July 13, prompting a protest from the New Mexico Restaurant Association.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has closed all bars statewide and is now requiring masks for all residents ages eight and older, effective Monday, July 13.
For our most up-to-date coverage, visit the coronavirus homepage.
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