California Mandates Bars Close In Seven Counties, Including Los Angeles, And Recommends Closures In Sacramento – Capital Public Radio News

Gov. Gavin Newsom and California's public health officials are mandating that all bars close in seven counties, including Los Angeles, and advising closures in 8 others, including Sacramento.

“Closing bars in these counties is one of a number of targeted actions counties are executing across our state to slow the virus' spread and lower risk,” Dr. Sonia Angell, the state public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health, wrote in a statement.

The rollback of bar openings arrives as California and other states are seeing an increase in total COVID-19 cases, including among younger individuals who frequent restaurants and bars.

The state is needing that bars close right away in Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, San Joaquin and Tulare counties, in addition to Los Angeles.

Officials are suggesting the same for Contra Costa, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Ventura and Sacramento counties.

“COVID-19 is still flowing in California, and in some parts of the state, growing more powerful. That's why it is critical we take this action to restrict the spread of the virus in the counties that are seeing the greatest boosts,” Newsom composed in a declaration.

The state permitted bars to reopen in recent weeks throughout the state as part of customizing its stay-at-home order. However in the previous week, bars have willingly closed their doors after employees or routine clients tested favorable for the infection.

In the city of Sacramento, Old Tavern, Zebra Club and The Depot announced momentary closures due to the infection.

The state says recognizing COVID-19 cases back to bars is challenging. “Beyond the higher risk of transmission in bar settings, contract tracing, a key step needed to control spread, is also more tough in bars since of the constant mixing among customers and a lack of record-keeping of those in attendance,” a declaration from the governor's workplace checked out.

Newsom is urging all locals to wear masks in public. In the previous 7 days, hospitalizations have increased by 22 percent in California, in addition to the increase in general cases.

This story will be upgraded.

CapRadio supplies a trusted source of news because of you. As a not-for-profit company, donations from individuals like you sustain the journalism that enables us to find stories that are essential to our audience. If you think in what we do and support our objective, please donate today.