Businesses grapple with tighter California virus rules

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

Gov. Newsom also said he was strengthening 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 weather moves in.

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

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

(Image Credits: AP)