Coronavirus: California closes beaches, indoor businesses amid record spike
Governor Gavin Newsom has decided to take drastic measures as Covid-19 cases increase, closing down some sectors of the state's economy.
California started the phase three of the reopening of its economy a couple of weeks ago, and since then there has been an alarming increase in coronavirus cases in the Golden State. To stop the spread of the virus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said yesterday that all parking lots and beaches will be closed from 3 to 7 July.
Indoor business also closing in 19 California counties
This Tuesday, Newsom gave a press conference explaining how serious the situation is, revealing that he has ordered indoor businesses to close across 19 counties such as Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara.
Indoor businesses required to close include restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and card rooms. They should remain closed for at least three weeks, but that could change depending on the number of coronavirus cases.
This new order means that businesses are not required to close entirely but requires them to move operations outdoors if possible. Bars, on the other hand, have to close down no matter what for the next three weeks.
California reports record rise in cases on Wednesday
California registered a record 9,740 new cases on Wednesday, a 4.4% increase on the previous day. The percentage of tests coming back positive in the state has increased gradually in June to around 6%, Newsom said.