California fully reopens after being 1st to shut in pandemic
California, the first state in America to put in place a corona virus lockdown, has turned a page on the pandemic. The nation's most populated state lifted most of its restrictions Tuesday, meaning no more state rules on social distancing or capacity limits at restaurants, bars, supermarkets, gyms, stadiums or anywhere else. And masks - one of the most fraught symbols of the pandemic - are no longer mandated for vaccinated people in most settings, though businesses and counties can still require them. Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrated the milestone by hosting a lottery-style selection of 10 winners who will get $1.5 million each simply for being vaccinated.
It was the grand finale to the nation's largest vaccine incentive - $116 million in COVID-19 lottery jackpots and cash card giveaways.
"Finally we are here, June 15th, to turn the page," Newsom declared from a stage at Universal Studios Hollywood during festivities to mark what he called the "full reopening" of the state's economy.
The Democratic governor pointed to the more than 40 million doses of vaccine administered and the resulting plunge in cases as the reason for the reopening.
"Foundationally, that's why we're here today," Newsom said.
Fans can cheer mask less at Dodgers and Giants baseball games. Disneyland is opening to all tourists after allowing just California residents since April. People can pack indoor bars and nightclubs from the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to the Castro in San Francisco.
Tourism was among the hardest hit industries during the pandemic and now wants to make up for lost time.
"In terms of our incredible cities, our iconic attractions, the industry is ready to roll out the red carpet to visitors in California, around the nation and even the world," said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California.
