Businesses grapple with tighter California virus rules

California has halted reopening plans and put almost all of state back under strictest set of rules due to surge of COVID-19 cases. Most indoor businesses are being forced to close or operate at a fraction of ir capacity. Gov. Gavin Newsom said his latest action, which takes effect Tuesday, will put 41 of state’s 58 counties in strictest of four-tier system for reopening that is based on virus cases and infection rates. Under new reordering, only two tiny counties, Mariposa and Alpine, remain in least restrictive tier.

Gov. Newsom also said he was strengning a mask requirement outside of homes with limited exceptions, and he was considering a curfew on business hours. Outdoor dining is still allowed,but many restaurant owners fear that won't be viable as colder, wetter wear moves in.

Most offices have remained closed throughout pandemic, but few that attempted to slowly reopen over past few weeks will have to go back to 100 percent work from home again. Newsom said he was "sounding alarm" because dramatic rise in cases in vember has come more rapidly than a spike in mid-June and could quickly surpass peak of hospitalizations at time.

Epidemiologists say research has shown indoor businesses have been sources of virus transmission. Businesses have complained y have played by rules but h to pay price for residents who have grown fatigued coping with virus and have igred public health warnings to t socialize with friends and family members. While California accounts for more than 1 million cases - second-highest number in U.S. - it is nation’s most populous state with 40 million residents and ranks 40th in cases per capita. 

(Im Credits: AP)