As the federal government wavers on when exactly pandemic restrictions across the country might be lifted and whose decision it will be, Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to put his statements last week likening California to a “nation state,” into action. Today the governor unveiled six indicators that he says, will guide state government on when to open things up and modify current stay-at-home COVID-19 orders, which as of now, will not be reconsidered for another two weeks.

The governor spoke about our state’s progress in flattening the curve as well as improvements in health care here in his video broadcast Tuesday afternoon. He said that any consideration of modifying stay-at-home orders will be done gradually.

Governor @GavinNewsom unveiled six key indicators that will guide CA’s thinking for when and how to modify the stay-at-home and other orders during the #COVID19 pandemic.

View the 6 indicators & the slides from today's press conference here.https://t.co/azUOulNKE9

— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) April 14, 2020

“As we contemplate reopening parts of our state, we must be guided by science and data, and we must understand that things will look different than before,” the governor said before outlining six indicators he will consider (Trump’s commands were not one of them). They do include:

1. The ability to monitor and protect through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting the positive or exposed

2. The ability to prevent infection in those at risk for severe COVID-19 cases

3. The ability of hospitals and health care workers to handle surges

4. The ability to develop therapeutics

5. The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to physical distance

6. The ability to determine to reinstitute stay-at-home measures if necessary.

Gov. Newsom said there is not a precise timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order at this point and noted that things will look different in terms of public businesses (mentioning that restaurants will have fewer tables and perhaps institute disposable menus). He also noted that large scale gatherings will not be happening anytime soon.

For more information on California and governor’s measures, visit covid19.ca.gov.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.