California is reopening today. Here’s what you need to know

California was the first state to close down to COVID-19

By Herb Scribner

California reopened and lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday, ending a number of capacity limits, social distancing measures and mask requirements.

Quick facts about California lifting COVID-19 restrictions

On Tuesday, California’s new health order went into effect, allowing for fully vaccinated people to walk around without a mask in most situations within the state, CNN reports.

• California has decided to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
• However, masks are still required for people on public transportation, hospitals, jails and schools, according to CNN.

What did California Gov. Gavin Newsom say?

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that the state is opening again and will see an economic recovery, according to USA Today.

• “It’s a new day,” Newsom said, per USA Today. “This state is not poised to recover, it’s poised, as was noted, to come roaring back.”
• Newsom told The New York Times: “There is no American recovery without California’s recovery. The good news is the state’s economic recovery is well underway.”

What about face masks?

Face masks are no longer required in the state. Per CNN, California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board originally wanted to require masks in most settings unless everyone was vaccinated. But the board changed course, saying fully vaccinated people don’t need to wear masks in most situations — no matter the vaccination status of others.

What about restaurants?

The Los Angeles Times reports that restaurants can open at full capacity now. Previous restrictions capped capacity at 50%.

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What about clubs, family entertainment centers?

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County public health director, told The Los Angeles Times that multiple venues will be open to full capacity.

• “It’s huge,” she said, adding that for “restaurants, bars, nightclubs, card rooms, family entertainment centers, there will not be specific protocols. . There will be no capacity limits and no distancing requirements.”

What about big indoor events?

So what if you want to go to the Los Angeles Clippers game at the Staples Center? Per The Los Angeles Times, indoor events can have full capacity as long as they verify if attendees have been fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of start-time.

Did California get bad COVID-19 cases?

Per The New York Times, California saw 3.8 million people infected by the coronavirus and more than 63,000 deaths. That was more deaths than any other state “because of the size of California’s population,” according to The New York Times.