With 20 million vaccines administered and hospitalizations stabilizing, the state is set to begin “business as usual” from June 15.
On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to drop the tiered framework and fully reopen the state by June 15. The news comes after reaching two significant milestones: the first being 20 million shots in arms within the state and 4 million administered under the equity metric (which comprises communities that have been hit hardest by COVID-19).
Newsom says “we can start to open up as business as usual” with “common-sense risk reduction measures” in place. That means all Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart will be able to resume, but masks testing and vaccinations wil be required for the foreseeable future.
“This disease is as deadly as it’s ever been. The only thing that we have done is suppress the spread because of the number of vaccines that have been administered and because of mask wearing,” Newsom said.
But before we lock in any summer vacation plans, it’s worth noting that this date could change at any point. The reopening date is dependent on two conditions. The first being sufficient vaccine supply for those 16 and older that want it and the second being low and stable hospitalization rates.
We’ve made incredible progress controlling the spread of #COVID19. 20M vaccinations. The lowest positivity rate in the U.S. Stable hospitalizations.
CA is now looking forward—with vaccinations & mandated masking, we’re setting our eyes on June 15th to fully reopen our economy. pic.twitter.com/DkT1b3UEhj
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) April 6, 2021
The California Department of Public Health will continue to monitor hospitalization rates and the vaccine’s efficacy closely to determine whether the reopening will happen on the exact date. “We’re always going to be led by data, led by reality and the lived experience on the ground,” said Newsom.
Restrictions for life beyond the color-coded framework, according to the California Department of Public Health, can be found here.
Featured Image: Sterling Davis via Unsplash