Gavin Newsom, governor of California, speaks during a news conference in Sacramento, California, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
Rich Pedroncelli | AP | Bloomberg via Getty Images
Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Monday that some of California’s retail business could begin services with modifications by the end of this week if certain criteria are met.
Newsom said that state officials will issue further guidance to move into the state’s next phase of reopening on Thursday, which will include specific guidelines that low-risk businesses must meet in order to reopen with modifications as soon as Friday.
He said retailers, like those for clothing, books, music, toys, florists and sporting goods, would be allowed to offer curbside pick-up services if they institute guidelines set forth by the state. He said associated manufactures that support the retail industry would also be allowed to begin production.
“We are entering into the next phase this week, end of the week with modifications, we will allow retail to start operating across the spectrum,” Newsom said at his daily press briefing. “This is a very positive sign and it has happened only for one reason: The data says it can happen.”
His office later tweeted that the order does not include office spaces, restaurants and shopping malls.
Newsom said the state would also allow some counties to begin easing social distancing restrictions even further if they can prove they have the ability to institute proper sanitation practices, ensure adequate testing and tracing and provide security to those who are most vulnerable, including homeless, older citizens and the incarcerated.
“We will allow additional movement through phase two, and that includes the prospect of restaurants with modifications opening, hospitality more broadly opening, again, with modification,” Newsom said.
Phase three of the state’s reopening plan includes businesses like hair and nail salons, movie theaters and events with live audiences, although the state is not at that phase yet.
This is a developing story. Please check back later for updates.
