California To Fully Open Economy June 15

"This disease is as deadly as it's ever been", Newsom said in a press conference.

The changes are "a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of COVID-19", Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's health and human services secretary, said in a statement.

California's vaccination numbers: To date, California has administered over 7 million more vaccine doses than any other state, surpassing many other countries including France and Germany, according to Ghaly.

However, staff and guests would still be required to wear masks or other face coverings.

Given the large number Covid-19 vaccinations administered so far - which surpasses 20 million doses today - the state will stop using the four-tiered system, dubbed the "Blueprint for a Safer Economy", which has been in place since last August. In short, Newsom said, it'd be "business as usual...we're moving past the dimmer switch".

Other establishments also can raise their capacity, including houses of worship, museums, zoos and aquariums (from 25% to 50%); restaurants and movie theaters (from 25% or 100 people, whichever is fewer, to 50% or 200 people, whichever is fewer); and indoor gyms and yoga studios (from 10% to 25%).

In the red tier, capacity would be limited to 10 percent or 100 people - though that could increase to 25 percent if all guests show proof of a negative coronavirus test or full vaccination against COVID-19. The limitations on those will "likely [be] well after June 15..."

So, that may explain why Outside Lands made a decision to go with Halloween weekend.

The entire state will reopen as a whole on June 15, rather than taking the county-by-county approach that has been used for the better part of a year to tighten and relax restrictions.

State officials also unveiled new guidance for gatherings, private events and meetings.

The governor's office added: "Everyday activities will be allowed and businesses can open with common-sense risk reduction measures, including encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated and mandating masking, to prevent illness and promote health". "We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant, and continue the practices that got us here - wearing masks and getting vaccinated - but the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter".

Meanwhile, in the Bay Area, eight out of nine counties are now in the "Orange" tier - Sonoma, Napa, and Contra Costa counties were promoted on Tuesday, and now only Solano County remains in the "Red", along with neighboring counties like Sacramento and San Joaquin.

Expect to see more outdoor bars in all corners of the Bay (serving drinks without food), and restaurants starting to open up their interiors at greater capacities in the coming weeks.

Maximum capacity would rise to 25% or 300 people in the least restrictive yellow tier and could grow to 50% if everyone is tested or completely vaccinated.