On the West Coast, more restrictions coming in California

It’s not a shutdown, and it’s not a stay-at-home order, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) really doesn’t want people congregating.

So as COVID-19 cases spike and hospitalizations in the state close in on 100,000, Californians will face strict limits on in-person gatherings and shopping under new rules announced Thursday. The rules will temporarily close indoor dining, bars, playgrounds, wineries, live sports with crowds, nail and hair salons and other personal services for a three-week period. Non-essential travel in the state will also be restricted.

Schools already open will remain open, as will retail stores and malls, with a 20 percent capacity and metering restrictions. Religious institutions will be limited to outdoor services.

Newsom is dividing the state into five regions, and the restrictions will be triggered when ICU capacity falls below 15 percent in any given area. No area has hit that threshold yet, but almost every region is expected to be there in the next day or two. The Bay Area has a little more time, but it too will be impacted before the end of the month.

Much of the state is already under similar restrictions– LA County, for example, has already shut both indoor and outdoor dining. And Santa Clara County unexpectedly banned contact sports, forcing the San Francisco 49ers to move their entire operation to the Phoenix area for at least the next three weeks.