As available ICU beds remain at critically low levels, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday warned that the state’s regional stay-at-home order would be extended in certain parts of the state as early as Tuesday, the latest sign that California’s battle against COVID-19 wages on.
For the regional order to be lifted, a region’s hospital intensive care unit capacity four weeks out must be projected to meet the state’s 15 percent threshold of available beds.
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Extension of the order would prolong complete closures of personal care services, including barbershops and nail salons; bars and wineries; and all entertainment centers, including amusement parks, movie theaters, card rooms and casinos. It will also extend reduce retail capacity, restrictions on restaurants to takeout only and keep religious services outdoors. Under the order, travel is also prohibited “except as necessary for permitted activities.”
Monday marked the first time that the Southern California and San Joaquin Valley regions were eligible to come out from under the state’s three-week-long order, but each region still reported zero available capacity in staffed and licensed intensive care units.
State officials are analyzing the data and on Tuesday are expected to provide an update on exactly what date the mandates will be extended to.
