July 14, 2020

California Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health expanded statewide indoor closures for businesses that encourage mixing of individuals beyond immediate households and make physical distancing and wearing face coverings difficult.

Effective July 13, 2020, all counties must close indoor operations in these sectors:

  • Dine-in restaurants
  • Wineries and tasting rooms
  • Movie theaters
  • Family entertainment centers (for example: bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages and arcades)
  • Zoos and museums
  • Cardrooms

Additionally, bars, brewpubs, breweries, and pubs must close all operations both indoor and outdoor statewide, unless they are offering sit-down, outdoor dine-in meals. Alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal.

Counties that have remained on the County Monitoring List for three consecutive days will be required to shut down the following industries or activities unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up.

  • Fitness centers
  • Worship services
  • Protests
  • Offices for non-essential sectors
  • Personal care services, like nail salons, body waxing and tattoo parlors
  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • Malls

"Due to increased COVID-19 transmissions statewide and rising hospitalization numbers in many communities, we are taking more actions today to slow transmissions of the disease," said Governor Newsom. "Each of us has the power to slow the spread of the virus. Here's how you can help: Avoid mixing with people who are not in your household. If you can't avoid it, wear a mask, move indoor activities outside, stay physically distant and wash your hands."

Community spread of COVID-19 continues to be a concern for counties on the County Monitoring List. Further, rates in counties not on the list have also been increasing at an alarming rate, supporting this expanded state action. As community spread increases, vulnerable populations, including older Californians and those who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems, are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill due to the virus. Higher cases counts can also threaten the state's care delivery system capacity.

"Moving outside when you're at a restaurant, winery or gym is a key step to helping reduce the risk for yourself and others, but that doesn't mean your actions don't matter. Letting your guard down around people who don't live with you, even a family member or close friend, puts you at risk," said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. "When you go out, wear a face covering, keep physical distance, and wash your hands. The decisions we make today will determine how COVID-19 impacts our communities and families tomorrow."

Sectors included in the announcement are all at higher risk of transmission because they promote mixing with others outside of one's household. In addition, some of these sectors are centered on eating and drinking, compliance with face coverings is not possible for the full duration of time someone spends in these establishments. All industry or sector guidance documents that have been issued to date, including all infectious control measures outlined in those guidance documents, apply in outdoor settings, and must be adhered to. The state will work closely with counties to ensure businesses are complying with guidance and are modifying operations to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

California will continue to update and issue guidance based on the best available public health data and the best practices currently employed. More information about the state's COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page.

For more information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.