California, the first state to implement a blockade due to the coronavirus pandemic, plans to fully reopen the state’s activities and businesses from June 15, based on falling infection rates and low hospitalizations in the state, Health and announced Human Services Mark Ghaly on Tuesday.
Given the large number of Covid-19 vaccinations administered so far – which exceeds 20 million doses today – the state will stop using the four-tier system, dubbed the “Safer Economy Project”, which has been in place since August past. Ghaly cited a “stable and low disease burden”, along with “continuous improvements and low level of hospitalizations” in the state as a justification for the reopening plan.
California reported the lowest positivity rate in the country, 1.7%, away from its 17.1% peak in early January, when the state was recovering from a post-holiday peak.
The entire state will reopen as a whole on June 15, instead of adopting the county-by-county approach that has been used for nearly a year to tighten and relax restrictions.
State health officials will continue to use science and data to guide the reopening, and variants will be closely monitored, Ghaly promised, adding that “necessary precautions” will be taken if there are any worrying increases in Covid-19 hospitalizations.
California’s mask mandate will remain in place, focusing specifically on what Ghaly calls “high-risk” internal configurations. “Masking is a fundamental protection feature, protecting those who are not yet eligible for a vaccine,” said Ghaly.
California vaccination numbers: To date, California has administered more than 7 million more doses of vaccine than any other state, surpassing many other countries, including France and Germany, according to Ghaly. About 70% of older Californians received at least one dose of the vaccine and more than 4 million doses were administered in the most affected communities in the state.
“We are looking at vaccine supply and availability. If the stock is not there, we can make some adjustments until the 15th of June. We need to make sure that all Californians interested in being vaccinated, who are eligible, have a reasonable amount of time for that, ”said Ghaly.
There is currently no plan to enforce or have a vaccine passport plan system in California, but some companies are already exploring the option of checking whether their customers have been vaccinated.
“Part of the idea is that we can grow safely and that will also provide an incentive, as people are allowed to do more activities because they are vaccinated,” said state economic advisor, Dee Dee Myers.
Some sectors, such as large conventions with more than 5,000 people, will be required to demonstrate that all participants have been vaccinated or tested. This restriction will remain in effect until October 1. Ghaly also addressed the multi-day Coachella music festival that attracts thousands of people to the Southern California desert annually, noting that he may not be able to reopen in the same size and scope, but state officials are working with organizers and planners from events to ensure the safety of all participants.
Since Covid-19 began to threaten the world, almost 3.6 million Californians have been infected and more than 58,000 have died as a result.