California dropped most of its coronavirus protocols Tuesday in what is being described as a “full reopening” after months of lockdown mandates.
Gov. Gavin Newsom rescinded the state’s stay-at-home order, ended capacity restrictions, and stopped the tier system that determined which COVID-19 rules certain counties had to follow. Masks will still be required for unvaccinated individuals in most settings, and in some situations, including public transit and healthcare facilities, those who have received both shots may be required to don a face covering.
“Good morning California,” Newsom wrote in a Tuesday tweet. “It’s reopening day. We’ve administered over 40 million vaccines. Now… No more social distancing. No more capacity limits. No more colors or county tiers. And if you’re vaccinated—no more masks. It’s a good day.”
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Authorities will require “vaccine verification/negative testing” for indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people that are classified as “mega events,” and students in K-12 schools are also still mandated to wear masks in the classroom.
On the eve of the “full reopening,” the governor announced the California Comeback Plan, which intends to increase revenue to the state’s tourism industry. The Democratic governor pledged to inject $95 million into the economy after the state lost “nearly half of the 1.2 million jobs” in the sector.
Newsom revealed that those over the age of 18 who have received vaccinations can enter a lottery to win trips to Anaheim, Greater Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, in addition to a $2,000 cash prize.
“From California’s coastlines to our theme parks to our breath-taking national forests, our state’s diverse terrain and unique communities make us the envy of the world when it comes to tourism,” the governor said in a statement. “As we move forward to a post-pandemic life, our tourism sector is expected to come roaring back — making us, once again, a global leader in hospitality and leisure.”
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Newsom’s orders during the pandemic have drawn scorn from his constituents and resulted in a recall effort. The petition has received 1.6 million signatures, above the 1.4 million needed to bring the resolution to the ballot, though the move will need to clear a few procedural hurdles before voters can decide whether or not to depose the governor.
California has seen a 5% decline in cases, an 11% dip in hospitalizations, and an 18% drop in deaths over the past two weeks. Forty-seven percent of California’s population is fully vaccinated, while 59% have received at least one dose.
