Indoor events can return in California later this month as COVID-19 conditions improve

California will allow indoor live events to resume with limitations beginning later this month, meaning an imminent return of things like concerts, sports contests and theatrical performances that have long been off-limits on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The changes to the state’s reopening blueprint, which go into effect April 15, reflect two parallel trends, officials say.

First, California is continuing to gain ground in its battle against the coronavirus, with the numbers of newly confirmed cases and related hospitalizations continuing to trend downward.

And second, the state’s vaccine rollout is chugging along, with hundreds of thousands of doses being administered each day.

“By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk,” Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s health and human services secretary, said in a statement.

Even once the revisions take hold, “California will still be one of the most restrictive states in the country,” Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, added in a phone call with reporters.

“We’ll continue to move very slowly and cautiously, but moving with some transparency toward more allowable activity,” she said.

Under the new state guidance unveiled Friday, indoor live events and performances would remain a no-go in the purple tier — the most restrictive rung of California’s color-coded reopening road map.

But they could take place starting April 15 in the three other tiers, subject to capacity limits and other requirements, such as that tickets be purchased in advance, that organizers establish designated areas for eating and drinking, and that attendance be limited to California residents.

Source: Los Angeles Times