Gov Newsom Hits the ‘emergency brake,’ on Re-opening, Considering Curfews

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday he had pulled the "emergency brake" on reopening the economy and enacted stiff restrictions in 41 counties, 94.1 % of the state's population — roughly 37 million people, due to a wave of coronavirus infections sweeping through the Golden State.

Where it stands:

For the past few weeks, California has seen a massive community spread of the virus. In the previous ten days, cases have doubled, and last week, California recorded its one-millionth coronavirus case.

• Counties downgraded to the purple tier include Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa.

• Last week 13 California counties were on the stringent purple tier; now 41 counties are on the list.

• California officials reported 13,285 new cases on Monday — a new record, according to the LA Times.

• LA County recorded 3,780 new cases on Saturday.

• Newsom also mentioned he is considering a statewide curfew.

What's Next:

Newsom's latest orders mean businesses, who have been struggling since the start of the pandemic, will once again be placed under the strictest purple tier.

• Restaurants can only offer outdoor dining and takeout service.

• Bars, breweries, and distilleries that don't provide food are ordered closed.

• Gyms, movie theaters, museums, zoos, and places of worship could only operate outdoors, those who can't either close or shut down.

• Gatherings are only allowed outdoors with a maximum of three households.

• Retailers must drop their capacity to 50%.