SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California officials will lift the state’s coronavirus restrictions on June 15, if there are enough COVID-19 vaccines available for anyone age 16 or older and hospitalizations remain lower, according to the New York Times. However, the state’s mask mandate continues, and there will be some limits on large indoor events or conventions of more than 5,000 people at least until fall.

As such, Californians can return to restaurants, bars, movie theaters, houses of worship and concerts without strict capacity limits for the first time in more than a year. As NACS Daily reported, several states have already eased health restrictions. At the same time, the Biden-Harris Administration has urged them to continue current safety protocols. Some health officials are worried about a potential fourth surge of the virus in the U.S., and there are concerns about the spread of virus variants.

Coronavirus case counts have been climbing in several states, but California COVID-19 cases are declining. The state has an average of about 2,700 new cases a day, the lowest figure since June. As of Monday, the CDC reported that 34% of the California’s population had received at least one vaccine shot, and 18% are fully vaccinated.

“With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, it is time to turn the page on our tier system and begin looking to fully reopen California’s economy,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic.”

Coronavirus Resources

NACS has compiled resources to help the convenience retail community navigate the COVID-19 crisis. For news updates and guidance, visit our coronavirus resources page.