California, the first state to implement a blockade due to the coronavirus pandemic, plans to completely reopen the state’s activities and businesses beginning June 15, based on falling infection rates and low hospitalizations in the state, Mark Ghaly announced Tuesday.
Given the large number of vaccines against Covid-19 administered so far – which exceeds 20 million doses today – the state will stop using the four-tier system, called “Plan for a safer economy” , which has been running since last August. Ghaly cited a “stable and low burden of disease,” along with “continuous improvements and low levels of hospitalizations” in the state as a reason for the reopening of the plan.
California reported the lowest positivity rate in the country, at 1.7%, far from its peak of 17.1% in early January, when the state wore off from a post-holiday wave.
The entire state will reopen as a whole on June 15, instead of adopting the county-by-county approach that has been used for most of a year to tighten and relax restrictions.
State health officials will continue to use science and data to guide the reopening and closely monitor variants, Ghaly promised, adding that “necessary precautions” will be taken if there is any significant increase in Covid hospitalizations. 19.
The California Masks mandate will remain in place, focusing specifically on what Ghaly calls “high-risk” indoor environments. “Masking is a key protective feature, protecting those who are not yet eligible for a vaccine,” Ghaly said.
California Vaccination Numbers: To date, California has administered more than 7 million more vaccine doses than any other state, surpassing many other countries, including France and Germany, according to Ghaly. About 70% of older Californians have received at least one dose of the vaccine and more than 4 million doses have been administered to the most affected communities in the state.
“We are studying the supply and availability of vaccines. If the supply is not there, we may make some changes by this June 15th date. We need to make sure that all Californians interested in getting vaccinated, who are eligible, have a reasonable period of time to get it, ”Ghaly said.
There are currently no plans to impose or have a system of vaccine passport plans in California, but some companies are already exploring the option of verifying that their clients are vaccinated.
“Part of the idea is that we can safely increase and it will also provide an incentive as people are allowed to do more activities because they are vaccinated,” said state economic adviser Dee Dee Myers.
Some sectors, such as large conventions with more than 5,000 people, will have to prove that all attendees are vaccinated or tested. This restriction will remain in effect until October 1. Ghaly also addressed the Coachella multi-day music festival that draws thousands of people to the Southern California desert each year, noting that he may not be able to reopen the same size and scope, but state officials work with organizers and event organizers to ensure the safety of all participants.
Since Covid-19 began threatening the world, nearly 3.6 million Californians have become infected and more than 58,000 have died as a result.