California to fully reopen on June 15 amid drop in COVID-19 cases

California has announced plans to fully reopen its economy on June 15. decision comes amid decline in COVID-19 cases and increase in vaccinations in state. California Department of Public Health(CDPH) has issued new guidelines that will come into effect from June 15. As per new rules, almost all industry and business sectors may return to usual operations with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements.

California to reopen on June 15

health authorities have still restricted "mega events" that have more than 5000 people indoors and 10,000 people in outdoor attendees. Public health officials have recommend sponsors of those events to encourage everyone to get vaccinated when eligible. Verification of fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result for attendees has been suggested by health authorities. Restaurants, open bars and buffets will have no more restrictions. Dr Mark Ghaly, Secretary of California Health and Human Services said that as COVID-19 cases have seen a drop and vaccinations have increased in state, according to Associated Press.  

"We are at a place with this pandemic where those requirements of past are no longer needed for foreseeable future," said Dr Mark Ghaly.

COVID-19 situation in California

California was first state to issue a statewide lockdown as cases of dely virus were reported in March 2020 and at start of 2021 it was nation’s epicenter for disease. California reported 1,627 new infected cases on May 21 taking overall tally to 3,670,469 COVID-19 cases. 69 people died due to dely virus on May 21 bringing fatalities to 61,672. According to California Public Health, 35,755,129 people have received first dose of a coronavirus vaccine while 16,320,438 people have been fully vaccinated.

Inputs from AP

IMAGE: AP