California has ordered the closing of bars in Los Angeles and other counties due to the growing spread of COVID-19, CBS Los Angeles reports.
Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted that bars in Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, San Joaquin, and Tulare are also ordered to close.
Newsom also recommends that bars in Contra Costa, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, and Ventura also close.
“Californians must remain vigilant against this virus,” Newsom said in a statement. “COVID-19 is still circulating in California and growing stronger in some parts of the state. So it is critical that we take this step to limit the spread of the virus in counties that are experiencing the greatest increases.”
The order comes after the Golden State reported an increase of nearly 6,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Saturday and nearly 5,900 people died from the virus there. the global death toll of the coronavirus has exceeded 500,000, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.
The list of counties affected by Sunday’s order was based on daily reports of the spread of the virus by state officials, according to The Associated Press. Counties that have been on the state watch list for 3-14 days are asked to close the bars through local health orders. AP said those on the state’s watch list for more than 14 days should immediately close any bars that have reopened their businesses.
“We are actively monitoring COVID-19 statewide and working closely with counties where transmission rates and patterns are increasing,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s public health officer. “Closing the bars in these counties is one of a series of specific actions counties are taking across our state to slow the spread of the virus and reduce risk.”
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