March 15, 2020
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Sunday he was directing all bars, pubs and wineries in the state to close while also calling for new restrictions on restaurants as the country grapples with the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsom made the announcement during a press conference shortly after Illinois and Ohio ordered all bars and restaurants in their states to close. The California governor said that restaurants would be allowed to remain open but would be required to reduce their capacities and maintain measures to ensure social distancing among customers.
The governor also requested that all people over 65 participate in home isolation. Health officials have warned that those who are older or have underlying health conditions are more susceptible to the virus.
The CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.