Joe Patwell, 77, from Los Angeles, right, makes his way with others on the boardwalk in Venice Beach on a sunny Monday afternoon. Patwell said he got his first shot of the vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and will be getting his second shot soon.
Mel Melcon | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
WASHINGTON – California plans to reopen its economy by June 15, as long as there are enough Covid-19 vaccinations for everyone who wants them and hospital admissions remain stable, Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.
“With more than 20 million vaccines being administered in the state, it is time to turn the page of our tier system and try to fully reopen the California economy,” Newsom said in a statement. “We can now begin planning for our life after the pandemic. We will have to remain vigilant and continue the practices that brought us here – wearing masks and getting vaccinated – but the light at the end of this tunnel is never been so clear, ”he says. added.
Newsom’s announcement comes just over a year after California, the country’s most populous state, shut down its economy due to the unfolding health pandemic.
The state is also scheduled to end its four color-coded level system, which has been used to determine risk levels.
Last month, a large number of states across the country relaxed restrictions to varying degrees.
Texas reversed its mask mandate and allowed companies to reopen at 100% capacity from March 10. The Lone Star State also welcomed the nation’s first full-capacity sporting event with the Texas Rangers home opener on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays, selling with over 38,000 fans sitting side by side.
The Arizona governor also ended capacity limits on businesses, but said they still need masks.
Alabama’s governor said the state would lift its mask mandate after April 9. South Carolina has lifted the state’s mask mandate from government offices, but has recommended that restaurants continue to demand face coverings.
The latest revelation comes after federal health officials warn that Americans must still adhere to public health measures as the warmer summer months approach.
“You remember maybe a little over a year ago when we were looking for summer to save us from peaks. It was, in fact, the opposite,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to the White House during a coronavirus in the White House. briefing Monday.
“We’ve seen significant peaks over the summer. I don’t think we should even think about relying on the weather to save us from everything we’re in right now,” he added.
Fauci also said on Monday that Americans should continue to receive both doses of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, despite a recent study suggesting that just one dose may be enough.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommended that Americans continue to travel because of coronavirus cases across the country.
“We know we have a huge number of cases right now. I would be in favor of general travel,” said Rochelle Walensky, CDC director last week. “We do not recommend travel at this time, especially for unvaccinated individuals,” she added.