California economy reopens

California’s economy officially reopened Tuesday, the result of increased vaccinations leading to a drop in COVID-19 cases.

Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings, but everyone must continue wearing a mask on airplanes, buses, trains, and at airports and transportation stations until further notice, according to state guidelines.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals must still wear face coverings outside of their home, and private businesses may continue to require customers to wear a mask

Restaurants, bars, retail stores, theaters, amusement parks, places of worship, hotels, and entertainment centers may return to normal operations with no restrictions on the capacity limit. Social distancing is no longer required.

All restrictions on travel outside of California will be lifted, and the state says it is not considering creating a vaccine passport.“

Proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, is required for indoor events with more than 5,000 attendees.  That provision is scheduled to be lifted Oct. 1.

A vaccination card,  photo of a vaccination card, or evidence of vaccination from a healthcare provider is considered proof.

“This is a day we’ve all been waiting for,” said Curt Hagman, chairman of the San Bernardino County board of supervisors, in a statement “While we have been through one of the most challenging periods in our County’s history, I’m very proud of the way we’ve pulled together as a community, with everyone from hospital workers and grocery clerks to local business owners working together to protect each other and overcome this pandemic.”