California Gov Closes Bars, Nightclubs, Not Restaurants

The San Francisco Chronicle reports:

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced all “bars, nightclubs, wineries, brewpubs and the like” must close temporarily due to the threat of coronavirus. “We are directing that all bars, nightclubs, wineries, brewpubs and the like be closed in the state of California,” Newsom announced Sunday afternoon, calling them “nonessential” businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We have absolute expectation this will be socialized in real-time today,” he said. The directive does not apply to restaurants, which are still considered essential, as Newsom said some individuals cannot safely prepare food in their homes. “We don’t believe this is necessary at this moment,” he said. However, all restaurants will be required to halve their occupancy in order to achieve appropriate social distancing.

NEW: Those that are 65 and older or vulnerable to #COVIDー19 must practice home isolation.

Bars, night clubs, wineries, and breweries should close in CA.

Restaurants — focus on takeout for those isolating. Maximize social distancing.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 15, 2020

We’re working in real time to secure hotels, motels, and trailers to house our homeless safely and protect our communities and the spread of #COVIDー19.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 15, 2020

We must protect our most vulnerable to #COVIDー19 and ensure essential parts of our society can keep functioning like:

– our healthcare system
– grocery stores
– pharmacies
– social service providers

And that people who can continue to work safely & remain productive can do so.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 15, 2020