In his latest update on the state's coronavirus response, California Governor Gavin Newsom outlined six critical indicators that will determine when the stay-at-home order is lifted. He announced that was progress being made in "flattening the curve" and health interventions have yielded positive results.
“While Californians have stepped up in a big way to flatten the curve and buy us time to prepare to fight the virus, at some point in the future we will need to modify our stay-at-home order,” said Governor Newsom. “As we contemplate reopening parts of our state, we must be guided by science and data, and we must understand that things will look different than before.”
However, before the state moves to lift the stay-at-home order, Newsome said six indicators much be reached:
• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
• The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.
In addition, Newsom said further actions will also be done to achieve the following results:
- Ensure our ability to care for the sick within our hospitals;
- Prevent infection in people who are at high risk for severe disease;
- Build the capacity to protect the health and well-being of the public; and
- Reduce social, emotional and economic disruptions
Newsom said there was no timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order, but the six indicators will serve as a framework for making that decision.
