Coronavirus
California to remove COVID-19 restrictions for vaccinated residents: Officials
California is on track to remove nearly all pandemic restrictions by June 15, with no mandatory capacity restrictions or social distancing requirements for those who have been vaccinated, health officials said Friday.
For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.
The most populous US state suffered a severe winter Covid-19 outbreak, but now has among the nation’s lowest infection rates per capita, in part due to its vaccination program.
Some 35.5 million doses have been administered. More than 60 percent of residents have had at least one dose, and just under half (48 percent) are fully inoculated.
“California is at a place where we can begin to talk about moving beyond the blueprint” of tiered health restrictions, said health secretary Mark Ghaly.
The state will make vaccinations or negative tests mandatory for all major indoor events, but will not operate a “vaccine passport” scheme, he added.
Major outdoor events – with over 10,000 people – will be allowed to permit those without vaccinations or recent negative tests to attend if they keep their masks on, although private venues are free to create their own restrictions.
Officials had previously set a June 15 target for reopening, dependent on achieving goals in terms of vaccinations and Covid infection rates.
Covid-related hospitalizations are now at their lowest level “since the very early months and weeks of the pandemic,” Ghaly added.
Read more:
A new reason to swipe right? Dating apps adding COVID-19 vaccination badges
US States offer cash incentives for COVID-19 vaccinations
Disneyland opening highlights California’s COVID-19 turnaround
Also Read
-
US States offer cash incentives for COVID-19 vaccinations
First launched in Ohio, cash prize incentives to get people vaccinated are taking off in other US states to boost a slowing COVID-19 shot ... Coronavirus -
Taiwan presses US health secretary on COVID-19 vaccines
Taiwan’s health minister said on Friday he had spoken to his US counterpart to ask for help in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines, who had responded that he ... Coronavirus -
Pan American Health Organization sees “dramatic” COVID-19 improvement in US
COVID-19 infections have dropped across the Americas, with the most dramatic improvement seen in the US due to mass vaccination, the head of the Pan ... Coronavirus
