CA Reopening: Gyms, Bars, Pro Sports Can Move Forward Soon

CALIFORNIA — After more than 11 weeks, certain shuttered businesses classified as "higher risk" are learning they may be able to reopen in California as early as next week. The Associated Press reports Friday that gyms, bars and some professional sports "with modifications" will be in the grouping.

"Mark Ghaly, the state’s top health official, says the state will release guidance later Friday for counties to follow to reopen a broad range of businesses that have been closed since mid-March to slow the spread of the coronavirus," according to the AP.

The gym guidance, which can now be found here, includes things like requiring people to sanitize any piece of equipment before and after use. The bar guidance, which can now be found here, encourages patrons to order from tables and only approach the bar if they can maintain social distancing.

The openings could happen as early as Friday, June 12, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The rules will apply only to counties that have received a regional variance proving to the state that they have plans in place to move through the reopening process safely.

Newsom said last week that he would allow counties which are officially in Stage 2 of the state's 4-stage reopening plan to gradually start moving into Stage 3. He did not provide specific timelines.

"Local health officials are the tip of the spear as it relates to the 'when' questions," Newsom said. "The 'how' question is framed in the guidance the state puts out, but the pacing, the application of the efforts to move forward into these new phases is in the hands of local health directors."

"They have the right and the responsibility to make determinations based on local conditions in partnership with their local elected officials," he continued. "We respect that right, we honor it. Some will go slowly, some of them will go a little bit more quickly."

The governor said that though counties will be able to start moving into Stage 3 with strict guidelines, no one is allowed to move to Stage 4 — which includes things like large mass gatherings.

"No one will go forward to concerts," he said. "No one will be allowed to move forward with large venues like conventions and festivals until we are in a much better position than we are today."

• Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know