CA Gov. Gavin Newsom orders closure of bars, self-isolation for older residents
On Sunday afternoon, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered for the self or home isolation of people ages 65 and older, along with the closure of bars statewide as the number of cases of diagnosed COVID-19, colloquially known as the coronavirus, rises.
Newsom’s announcement comes after 335 confirmed COVID-19 cases and six deaths in the state, which is a 14% increase from “prior days.”
The order of closure of all bars across the state also includes wine bars, breweries and pubs. Newsom added that there are currently no plans to close restaurants, but called for restaurants to reduce their occupancy by half and to practice “deep social distancing.”
With economic concerns, Newsom said restaurants can continue their operations with food deliveries and other food services.
The state is also prohibiting individuals from visiting nursing homes, in addition to the self or home isolation of state residents ages 65 and older. The state is also working to launch a plan to provide the homeless population with indoor resources, such as spaces in trailers and motels.
Newsom said these rulings are meant to slow the spread of the virus, reduce the number of deaths and provide health professionals more time to treat the most vulnerable of patients.
The state is also launching an online portal within the next couple of days. The portal will allow the public to input their symptoms and other COVID-19 related information to determine the likelihood of their contraction of the virus before contacting health professionals.
Thao Nguyen is a deputy news editor. Contact her at tnguyen@dailycal.org and follow her on Twitter at @tnguyen_dc.