California government response to the COVID-19 pandemic

{{See also|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in California|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}

On December 31, 2019, China reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in its city of Wuhan. On January 7, 2020, the Chinese health authorities confirmed that this cluster was caused by a novel infectious coronavirus.{{Cite journal|title=First Case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the United States|first1=Michelle L.|last1=Holshue|first2=Chas|last2=DeBolt|first3=Scott|last3=Lindquist|first4=Kathy H.|last4=Lofy|first5=John|last5=Wiesman|first6=Hollianne|last6=Bruce|first7=Christopher|last7=Spitters|first8=Keith|last8=Ericson|first9=Sara|last9=Wilkerson|first10=Ahmet|last10=Tural|first11=George|last11=Diaz|first12=Amanda|last12=Cohn|first13=LeAnne|last13=Fox|first14=Anita|last14=Patel|first15=Susan I.|last15=Gerber|first16=Lindsay|last16=Kim|first17=Suxiang|last17=Tong|first18=Xiaoyan|last18=Lu|first19=Steve|last19=Lindstrom|first20=Mark A.|last20=Pallansch|first21=William C.|last21=Weldon|first22=Holly M.|last22=Biggs|first23=Timothy M.|last23=Uyeki|first24=Satish K.|last24=Pillai|date=March 5, 2020|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=382|issue=10|pages=929–936|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2001191|pmid=32004427|pmc=7092802}} On January 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an official health advisory via its Health Alert Network (HAN) and established an Incident Management Structure to coordinate domestic and international public health actions.[https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00424.asp "Outbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology (PUE) in Wuhan, China"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518142657/https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00424.asp |date=May 18, 2020 }}, CDC, January 8, 2020 On January 10 and 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about a strong possibility of human-to-human transmission and urged precautions.{{cite web | first1=Peter | last1=Beaumont | first2=Julian | last2=Borger | title=WHO warned of transmission risk in January, despite Trump claims | work=The Guardian | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/09/who-cited-human-transmission-risk-in-january-despite-trump-claims | date=April 9, 2020 | access-date=April 17, 2020 | archive-date=July 3, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703093718/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/09/who-cited-human-transmission-risk-in-january-despite-trump-claims | url-status=live }} On January 20, the WHO and China confirmed that human-to-human transmission had occurred.{{cite news |last1=Kuo |first1=Lily |title=China confirms human-to-human transmission of coronavirus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/20/coronavirus-spreads-to-beijing-as-china-confirms-new-cases |access-date=April 19, 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=January 21, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714011704/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/20/coronavirus-spreads-to-beijing-as-china-confirms-new-cases |url-status=live }}

On January 26, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case in California. The person, who had returned from travel to Wuhan, China, was released from the hospital in Orange County on February 1 in good condition to in-home isolation.{{cite news|last=Wheeler|first=Ian|date=February 4, 2020|title=Orange County coronavirus patient released, in good condition, health officials say|work=Orange County Register|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2020/02/04/risk-of-catching-coronavirus-in-so-cal-is-low-health-officials-say/|url-status=live|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205195530/https://www.ocregister.com/2020/02/04/risk-of-catching-coronavirus-in-so-cal-is-low-health-officials-say/|archive-date=February 5, 2020}} On January 31, the CDC confirmed the state's second case, a man in Santa Clara County, who had recently traveled to Wuhan.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/31/california-and-cdc-officials-confirm-7th-case-of-coronavirus-in-the-us.html|title=CDC officials confirm 7th US case of coronavirus, in California man who traveled to China|last1=Lovelace| first1=Berkeley Jr. |last2=Feuer|first2=William|date=January 31, 2020|work=CNBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201021201/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/31/california-and-cdc-officials-confirm-7th-case-of-coronavirus-in-the-us.html|archive-date=February 1, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2020}} The man recovered at home and was released from in-home isolation on February 20.{{cite news |last=Woolfolk |first=John |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/02/20/santa-clara-county-declares-first-coronavirus-case-fully-recovered/ |title=Santa Clara County declares its first coronavirus case fully recovered |date=February 20, 2020 |work=The Mercury News |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221022130/https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/02/20/santa-clara-county-declares-first-coronavirus-case-fully-recovered/ |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |url-status=live}} On February 6, 2020, a woman from San Jose, California, became the first COVID-19 death in the U.S., though this was not discovered until April 2020. The case indicated community transmission was happening undetected in the state and the U.S., most likely since December.{{cite news |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/First-known-U-S-coronavirus-death-occurred-on-15217316.php |date=April 22, 2020 |author1=Erin Allday |author2=Matt Kawahara |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |title=First known U.S. coronavirus death occurred on Feb. 6 in Santa Clara County |access-date=May 14, 2020}}{{cite news |title=Autopsy Reports Date First COVID-19 Bay Area Deaths to February |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/south-bay/autopsies-date-first-covid-19-bay-area-deaths-to-february/2277106/ |access-date=April 22, 2020 |agency=NBC Bay Area |date=April 21, 2020}}

{{create list|section|date=October 2022}}

Newsom announced that, {{as of|2020|February|27|df=US|lc=y}}, the number of people being monitored for the virus in California amounted to 8,400.{{cite web | url = https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/485000-california-monitoring-8400-people-for-coronavirus-as-33-test-positive | title = California monitoring 8,400 people for coronavirus | last = Sullivan | first = Peter | website = The Hill | date = February 27, 2020 | access-date=February 28, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200228142608/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/485000-california-monitoring-8400-people-for-coronavirus-as-33-test-positive | archive-date=February 28, 2020 | url-status = live}}

On February 27, the governor announced that the state was limited in testing for the new coronavirus because it had only 200 testing kits.{{cite web | url = https://apnews.com/57177e2e35d7d0d518361166935c614e | title = New coronavirus case escalates US response | last1 = Thompson | first1 = Don | last2 = Beam | first2 = Adam | website = Associated Press | access-date=February 28, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200228194212/https://apnews.com/57177e2e35d7d0d518361166935c614e | archive-date=February 28, 2020 | url-status = live}}

File:COVID-19 Santa Clara County shelter-in-place order notification.png sent by Santa Clara County, California about the shelter-in-place order]]

On March 4, Newsom declared a state of emergency after the first death in California attributable to coronavirus occurred in Placer County.{{cite web|date=March 4, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2020|title=Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency due to coronavirus|work=KCRA|url=https://www.kcra.com/article/california-newsom-declares-state-of-emergency-due-to-coronavirus/31231293|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305075530/https://www.kcra.com/article/california-newsom-declares-state-of-emergency-due-to-coronavirus/31231293|archive-date=March 5, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|date=March 4, 2020|title=Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency to Help State Prepare for Broader Spread of COVID-19|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/04/governor-newsom-declares-state-of-emergency-to-help-state-prepare-for-broader-spread-of-covid-19/|agency=California Office of the Governor|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309150057/https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/04/governor-newsom-declares-state-of-emergency-to-help-state-prepare-for-broader-spread-of-covid-19/|archive-date=March 9, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=March 4, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2020|title=California governor declares state of emergency over coronavirus|last1=Budryk|first1=Zack|work=The Hill, Washington, D.C.|url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/486046-california-governor-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305132101/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/486046-california-governor-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus|archive-date=March 5, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 12, Newsom announced that mass gatherings (over 250 people) and social gatherings (more than 10 people) were banned until the end of March.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-california-idUSKBN20Z0WQ|title=California bans mass gatherings to slow spread of coronavirus|date=March 12, 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=March 13, 2020|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312181238/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-california-idUSKBN20Z0WQ|archive-date=March 12, 2020|url-status=live}} He also issued an order to permit the state to commandeer hotels and medical facilities to treat coronavirus patients.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-12/california-governor-gavin-newsom-hotels-medical-facilities-patients-meeting-requirements|title=Newsom issues order allowing California to take over hotels for coronavirus patients|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316074804/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-12/california-governor-gavin-newsom-hotels-medical-facilities-patients-meeting-requirements|archive-date=March 16, 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/mar/12/california-advises-against-even-small-social-gathe/|title=California Advises Against Even Small Social Gatherings|agency=Associated Press|date=March 12, 2020|website=KPBS Public Media|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312153433/https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/mar/12/california-advises-against-even-small-social-gathe/|archive-date=March 12, 2020|access-date=April 19, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-03-12/california-governor-no-large-gatherings-due-to-coronavirus|title=California Governor: No Large Gatherings Due to Coronavirus|agency=Associated Press|date=March 12, 2020|website=US News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313022548/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-03-12/california-governor-no-large-gatherings-due-to-coronavirus|archive-date=March 13, 2020|access-date=April 19, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.capradio.org/articles/2020/03/12/gatherings-of-more-than-250-people-should-be-postponed-or-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-california-governor-says/|title=Gatherings Of More Than 250 People Should Be Postponed Or Canceled Due To Coronavirus, California Governor Says|last1=Hagan|first1=Chris|last2=Miller|first2=Nick|date=March 12, 2020|website=CapRadio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312213813/http://www.capradio.org/articles/2020/03/12/gatherings-of-more-than-250-people-should-be-postponed-or-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-california-governor-says/|archive-date=March 12, 2020|access-date=April 19, 2020}} On March 13, schools were closed in Marin, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Solano, Placer, and Contra Costa counties, as well as the Oakland, Antioch, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles Unified, Chaffey Unified, Etiwanda, Fontana Unified, Ontario-Montclair, Alta Loma Unified, San Diego, Los Alamitos Unified, and Washington Unified school districts. In Santa Clara county, all gatherings of 100 or more people were banned, and gatherings of 35 or more people were banned unless they satisfied public health restrictions.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Coronavirus-live-updates-Bay-Area-California-cases-15100710.php|title=Coronavirus live updates: SF bans evictions due to financial distress, Contra Costa closes courthouses|date=March 13, 2020|language=en|access-date=March 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314003602/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Coronavirus-live-updates-Bay-Area-California-cases-15100710.php|archive-date=March 14, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/COVID-19-Guidance-031320.aspx|title=Coronavirus Guidance March 13, 2020 – Public Health Department – County of Santa Clara|website=www.sccgov.org|access-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314111323/https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/COVID-19-Guidance-031320.aspx|archive-date=March 14, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oc-breeze.com/2020/03/14/178998_los-alamitos-unified-school-district-to-close-schools-for-two-weeks-starting-march-16/|title=Los Alamitos Unified School District to close schools for two weeks starting March 16|date=March 14, 2020|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404055400/http://www.oc-breeze.com/2020/03/14/178998_los-alamitos-unified-school-district-to-close-schools-for-two-weeks-starting-march-16/|archive-date=April 4, 2020|url-status=live}} Press reports in April suggest that the aggressive early imposition of social-distancing orders by Santa Clara County were the result of community surveillance performed beginning on March 5.{{cite web |title=How the Bay Area got a jumpstart on coronavirus – and the country missed a chance |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Santa-Clara-County-coronavirus-study-helped-15177206.php |website=SFChronicle.com |access-date=April 3, 2020 |date=April 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404004626/https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Santa-Clara-County-coronavirus-study-helped-15177206.php |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |url-status=live }}

File:California_Executive_Order_N-33-20.pdf]]

On March 15, Newsom called for voluntary closure of bars and in-home self-isolation of seniors 65 and older, as well as persons at-risk due to underlying conditions.{{cite web|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241212146.html|title=Gov. Newsom asks California bars to close, tells older residents to isolate due to coronavirus.|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316020751/https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241212146.html|archive-date=March 16, 2020|url-status=live}} On March 16, the health officers of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties announced, with the City of Berkeley, a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter in place for three weeks beginning midnight March 17 to April 7 in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-16/how-the-san-francisco-bay-areas-coronavirus-shelter-in-place-order-works|title=How the San Francisco Bay Area coronavirus 'shelter in place' order works|last=Lin II|first=Rong-Gong|date=March 16, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317193204/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-16/how-the-san-francisco-bay-areas-coronavirus-shelter-in-place-order-works|archive-date=March 17, 2020|access-date=March 17, 2020}} The order limited activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs.{{cite web|url=https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/news/Pages/press-release-03-16-20.aspx|title=Seven Bay Area Jurisdictions Order Residents to Stay Home – Public Health Department – County of Santa Clara|website=www.sccgov.org|access-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316235236/https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/news/Pages/press-release-03-16-20.aspx|archive-date=March 16, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/order-health-officer-031620.aspx|title=Order of the Health Officer of the County of Santa Clara – Public Health Department – County of Santa Clara|website=www.sccgov.org|access-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316235219/https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/order-health-officer-031620.aspx|archive-date=March 16, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/local-politics/article/Bay-Area-must-shelter-in-place-Only-15135014.php|title=Bay Area authorities place strictest order in country: 'Shelter in place,' only essential businesses open in 6 counties|last=Allday|first=Eric|date=March 16, 2020|website=SFChronicle.com|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316221545/https://www.sfchronicle.com/local-politics/article/Bay-Area-must-shelter-in-place-Only-15135014.php|archive-date=March 16, 2020|access-date=March 16, 2020}} The same day, the county of Santa Cruz issued a similar shelter in place order.{{cite web|url=http://www.santacruzhealth.com/HSAHome/HSADivisions/PublicHealth/CommunicableDiseaseControl/Coronavirus.aspx|title=Coronavirus|website=www.santacruzhealth.com}}

On March 17, more counties issued shelter in place orders, including Monterey County (until April 4),{{cite web|url=https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/03/17/monterey-county-health-officer-orders-shelter-place/5073496002/|title=UPDATE: Two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Monterey County|last1=Romero|first1=Sheyanne N.|last2=Ostly|first2=Ayrton|website=The Salinas Californian|language=en|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317232941/https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/03/17/monterey-county-health-officer-orders-shelter-place/5073496002/|archive-date=March 17, 2020|url-status=live}} San Benito (until April 7),{{cite web |title=SAN BENITO COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ISSUES ORDER REQUIRING RESIDENTS TO STAY AT HOME EXCEPT FOR ESSENTIAL NEEDS |url=https://hhsa.cosb.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAN-BENITO-COUNTY-ISSUES-PUBLIC-HEALTH-ORDERPR031720VF.pdf |website=hhsa.cosb.us |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317231837/https://hhsa.cosb.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAN-BENITO-COUNTY-ISSUES-PUBLIC-HEALTH-ORDERPR031720VF.pdf |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live }} and Sonoma (until April 7).{{cite web |title=Health Officer Orders County Residents Shelter in Place |url=http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CAO/Press-Releases/Health-Officer-Orders-County-Residents-Shelter-in-Place/ |website=sonomacounty.ca.gov |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318024551/http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CAO/Press-Releases/Health-Officer-Orders-County-Residents-Shelter-in-Place/ |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |url-status=live }} The federal Defense Secretary said the military would provide up to 5 million respirator masks and also 2,000 ventilators from its reserve.{{cite web |url= https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article241292576.html |title= Coronavirus surge will strain California hospitals, Gov. Gavin Newsom warns |last= Bollag |first= Sophia |date= March 21, 2020 |website= The Sacramento Bee |access-date= March 20, 2020 |quote= Also on Tuesday, federal Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the military will provide 2,000 ventilators and up to 5 million respirator masks from its strategic reserve. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200318104728/https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article241292576.html |archive-date= March 18, 2020 |url-status= live }}

On March 18, shelter in place orders were issued by Yolo County (until April 7),{{cite web |title=ORDER OF THE YOLO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER DIRECTING INDIVIDUALS TO SHELTER IN PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND RESTRICTING NON-ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 OUTBREAK, WITH EXCEPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS, AS SPECIFIED |url=https://www.yolocounty.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=62366 |website=www.yolocounty.org |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319121841/https://www.yolocounty.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=62366 |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |url-status=live}} the city of Fresno (until March 31),{{cite web |title=City of Fresno {{pipe}} City Announces Important Update on Coronavirus State of Emergency |url=https://www.fresno.gov/news/city-announces-important-update-on-coronavirus-state-of-emergency/ |website=www.fresno.gov |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318215558/https://www.fresno.gov/news/city-announces-important-update-on-coronavirus-state-of-emergency/ |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |url-status=live}} Napa County (effective March 20, until April 7){{cite web |title=ORDER OF THE NAPA COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER DIRECTING ALL INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE COUNTY TO SHELTER AT HOME |url=https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/16687/3-18-2020-Shelter-at-Home-Order |website=www.countyofnapa.org |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318225223/https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/16687/3-18-2020-Shelter-at-Home-Order |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |url-status=live }} San Luis Obispo County (until April 17),{{cite web|url=https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/san-luis-obispo-county-health-officials-issue-shelter-in-place-seven-coronavirus-cases-confirmed|title=San Luis Obispo County health officials issue shelter-at-home, seven coronavirus cases confirmed|date=March 18, 2020|website=KSBY|language=en|access-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319033144/https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/san-luis-obispo-county-health-officials-issue-shelter-in-place-seven-coronavirus-cases-confirmed|archive-date=March 19, 2020|url-status=live}} and Mendocino County (until April 7).{{cite web|url=https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=33103|title=3.18.20 Health Order to Shelter-in-Place|last=Doohan|first=Noemi|date=March 18, 2020|website=Mendocino County|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319202205/https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=33103|archive-date=March 19, 2020}} The Department of Defense said the Navy's hospital ship USNS Mercy is being prepared for deployment in California, "to assist potentially overwhelmed communities with acute patient care".{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2116862/hospital-ships-other-dod-assets-prepare-for-coronavirus-response/ |title=Hospital Ships, Other DOD Assets Prepare for Coronavirus Response |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |date=March 18, 2020 |access-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320205222/https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2116862/hospital-ships-other-dod-assets-prepare-for-coronavirus-response/ |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On March 19, Newsom then announced a statewide stay-at-home order.{{cite wikisource|firsticon=yes|title=California Executive Order N-33-20|scan=Index:California Executive Order N-33-20.pdf}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-gov-gavin-newsom-announces-statewide-stay-at-home-order.amp|title=California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces statewide coronavirus 'stay at home' order {{!}} Fox News|website=www.foxnews.com|access-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321152751/https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-gov-gavin-newsom-announces-statewide-stay-at-home-order.amp?cmpid=prn_newsstand|archive-date=March 21, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/california/story/2020-03-19/california-governor-issues-statewide-order-for-people-to-stay-at-home-amid-virus-outbreak|title=California governor issues statewide order for people to stay at home amid virus outbreak.|date=March 20, 2020|website=San Diego Union-Tribune|language=en|access-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320015925/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/california/story/2020-03-19/california-governor-issues-statewide-order-for-people-to-stay-at-home-amid-virus-outbreak|archive-date=March 20, 2020|url-status=live}}

Newsom said that the state has asked the Department of Defense to deploy the Navy's USNS Mercy hospital ship in California.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-18/coronavirus-california-asks-navy-for-hospital-ship-mobile-hospitals|url-access=subscription|title=Battling coronavirus, California asks Navy for hospital ship and two mobile hospitals|last=Willon|first=Phil|date=March 19, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320200156/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-18/coronavirus-california-asks-navy-for-hospital-ship-mobile-hospitals|archive-date=March 20, 2020|access-date=March 20, 2020}}

On March 20, Governor Newsom deployed the California National Guard to provide assistance to food banks in California.{{cite web |url=https://ktla.com/news/california/gov-newsom-deploys-california-national-guard-to-assist-food-banks-during-coronavirus-outbreak/ |title=Gov. Newsom deploys California National Guard to assist food banks during coronavirus outbreak |author= |date=20 March 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=27 April 2021 }}

On March 21, the Strategic National Stockpile Division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services converted the Santa Clara Convention Center into a Federal Medical Station to receive noncritical patients from local hospitals.{{cite news|last=Gartrell|first=Nate|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/21/santa-clara-convention-center-to-be-converted-into-temporary-medical-station-for-covid-19/|title=SC Convention Center to be converted into medical station|date=March 21, 2020|work=San Jose Mercury News|access-date=March 22, 2020|url-status=live|location=San Jose, California|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322104500/https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/21/santa-clara-convention-center-to-be-converted-into-temporary-medical-station-for-covid-19/|archive-date=March 22, 2020}}

On March 22, President Trump announced that he had directed Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide 8 large federal medical stations with 2,000 beds for California.{{cite web|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-vice-president-pence-members-coronavirus-task-force-press-briefing-8/|title=Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing|language=en-US|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120200521/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-vice-president-pence-members-coronavirus-task-force-press-briefing-8/|archive-date=January 20, 2021|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|url-status=live}}

On March 24, Newsom passed an executive order to postpone intakes in prisons and juvenile correction centers. The objective was to hinder contamination in the prison system.{{Cite web |title=Criminal justice responses to the coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.prisonpolicy.org/virus/virusresponse.html |access-date=2020-05-16 |website=www.prisonpolicy.org |language=en}} Also on March 24, the California State Guard was deployed alongside the California National Guard in San Mateo County to provide emergency prehospital response for patients.{{cite web |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/365912/historic-covid-19-mission-california-state-guard |title=Historic COVID-19 mission for California State Guard |last=Siguenza |first=Edward |date=24 March 2020 |publisher=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service |access-date=27 April 2021 }}

On April 1, Newsom announced the closure of all public and private schools for the remainder of the 2019–2020 academic year, including all institutions of higher education, and directing all schools to "put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning."{{cite web |title=State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Issues Statement on 2019-20 School Year Amid Current School Safety Concerns |url=https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr20/yr20rel16.asp |website=www.cde.ca.gov |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404070318/https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr20/yr20rel16.asp |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |url-status=live }} The University of California system announced that they would temporarily suspend the use of standardized testing for Fall 2021 admissions, and suspend the letter grade requirement for A-G courses completed in winter, spring, and summer 2020.{{cite web |author=UC Office of the President |title=UC admissions requirements to help students, families in wake of COVID-19 |url=https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/uc-eases-admissions-requirements-help-students-families-wake-covid-19 |website=University of California |access-date=April 2, 2020 |language=en |date=April 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402163219/https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/uc-eases-admissions-requirements-help-students-families-wake-covid-19 |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |url-status=live }}

File:Retail Masquerade.jpg

On April 7, Newsom announced that the state has secured a deal that will provide upwards of 200 million masks, including 150 million N95 masks, per month to the state.{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/491716-newsom-california-has-contract-for-200m-masks-per-month|title=Contract for 200M masks|date=April 7, 2020|language=en-US|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412021123/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/491716-newsom-california-has-contract-for-200m-masks-per-month|archive-date=April 12, 2020|url-status=live}}

On April 9, Newsom announced the state would pay for hotel rooms for hospital and other essential workers afraid of returning home and infecting family members.{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-09/gavin-newsom-california-ventilators-hospitals-counties-coronavirus |title=Newsom assures Californians that the state has enough ventilators in coronavirus fight|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Phil|last=Willon |access-date=April 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412173421/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-09/gavin-newsom-california-ventilators-hospitals-counties-coronavirus |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On April 13, Newsom, together with Oregon governor Kate Brown and Washington governor Jay Inslee, announced the Western States Pact, an agreement to coordinate among the three states to restart economic activity while controlling the outbreak.{{cite web |title=California, Oregon & Washington Announce Western States Pact |url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/04/13/california-oregon-washington-announce-western-states-pact/ |website=California Governor |access-date=April 13, 2020 |language=en |date=April 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413210450/https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/04/13/california-oregon-washington-announce-western-states-pact/ |archive-date=April 13, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On April 15, Newsom announced that undocumented immigrants can receive $500 per adult or $1,000 per household.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/04/15/governor-newsom-announces-new-initiatives-to-support-california-workers-impacted-by-covid-19/|title=Governor Newsom Announces New Initiatives to Support California Workers Impacted by COVID-19|date=2020-04-15|website=California Governor|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}} The total cost will be $75 million that will be distributed by nonprofit organizations.{{Cite news|title=Every lawsuit vs. California's shelter-in-place order, explained|url=https://calmatters.org/health/coronavirus/2020/05/california-shutdown-lawsuits-newsom-dhillon-coronavirus-shelter-in-place-executive-orders/|date=2020-05-11|website=CalMatters|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-16|last1=Christopher |first1=Ben }}

On April 22, Newsom ordered a review on autopsies of people who died in December 2019 in order to find out when COVID-19 arrived in California.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/494200-california-gov-orders-autopsies-back-to-december-to-find-out-how-long|title=California governor orders autopsies back to December to find out how long coronavirus has been in the state|last=Moreno|first=J. Edward|date=2020-04-22|website=TheHill|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}}

On April 24, Newsom announced a program that will deliver free meals to elderly residents who meet the program's requirements. This program partners with local restaurants to deliver up to $61 worth of meals per day to each qualified resident. 75% of the program's cost will be covered by FEMA, and the rest will be covered by the state and local governments.{{cite web|url=https://abc7.com/6127425/|title=Coronavirus: Newsom announces program for local eateries to prepare, deliver meals to seniors amid COVID-19 pandemic|last=KABC|date=2020-04-24|website=ABC7 Los Angeles|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}}

On April 29, Newsom announced an expansion of the state's Farm to Family program, which helps connect farmers to food banks. The governor also announced that the state's CalFresh program will continue to send every recipient the maximum amount of benefits for May. Newsom also said that families with kids who can receive free or low-cost lunch at schools could now get up to $365 a month in additional benefits due to the Pandemic-EBT program. Additionally, Newsom announced that EBT cards could be used to buy groceries online on Amazon and Walmart, and the state was encouraging other supermarkets to also accept EBTs for online purchasing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/04/29/governor-newsom-announces-expansion-of-farm-to-family-program-and-new-initiatives-to-combat-food-insecurity/|title=Governor Newsom Announces Expansions and New Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity|date=2020-04-29|website=California Governor|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30}}

File:Coronavirus COVID-19 Chinatown, San Francisco, California.jpg, California]]

By May, Newsom had come under pressure to reopen, e.g. via over a dozen lawsuits filed by lawyer Harmeet Dhillon, who later credited herself for "large sectors of California's economy opening up much sooner than the governor originally intended."{{Cite news|last1=Hubler|first1=Shawn|last2=Fuller|first2=Thomas|date=2020-06-29|title='Our Luck May Have Run Out': California's Case Count Explodes|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/29/us/california-coronavirus-reopening.html|access-date=2020-06-30|issn=0362-4331}}

On May 2, the Washington Post reported that a vitamins executive claimed that (at a previous time not specified in the article) Trump had given him Newsom's phone number for the purpose of persuading the governor to buy hydroxychloroquine as a proposed treatment for COVID-19. Newsom declined the proposal to buy millions of hydroxychloroquine tablets, at cost, from an Indian manufacturer.{{Cite news|last1=Rucker|first1=Philip|last2=Dawsey|first2=Josh|last3=Abutaleb|first3=Yasmeen|last4=Costa|first4=Robert|last5=Sun|first5=Lena H.|date=May 2, 2020|title=34 days of pandemic: Inside Trump's desperate attempts to reopen America|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/34-days-of-pandemic-inside-trumps-desperate-attempts-to-reopen-america/2020/05/02/e99911f4-8b54-11ea-9dfd-990f9dcc71fc_story.html|access-date=May 2, 2020}}

On May 6, Newsom signed an executive order to extend workers' compensation for all workers who contracted COVID-19 during the state's stay-at-home order. This order was to be retroactive to March 19, when the state's stay-at-home order was issued. Newsom also signed an executive order that waived property tax penalties for residents and small businesses that have been negatively affected by the pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/06/governor-newsom-announces-workers-compensation-benefits-for-workers-who-contract-covid-19-during-stay-at-home-order/|title=Governor Newsom Announces Workers' Compensation Benefits|date=2020-05-06|website=California Governor|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}

On May 7, Newsom announced that the state was moving into Stage 2 of its four-stage reopening roadmap. Stage 2 allows for certain low-risk sectors of the economy to reopen, so long as there are significant safety measures in place.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/07/governor-newsom-releases-updated-industry-guidance/|title=Governor Newsom Releases Updated Industry Guidance|date=2020-05-07|website=California Governor|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}

On May 8, Newsom signed an executive order to send every registered voter a mail-in ballot for the 2020 general election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/08/governor-newsom-issues-executive-order-to-protect-public-health-by-mailing-every-registered-voter-a-ballot-ahead-of-the-november-general-election/|title=Governor Newsom Mail-In Ballots|date=2020-05-08|website=California Governor|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}

On May 18, the Department of Public Health announced that counties could selectively reopen types of business that are part of Stage 3 of the state's four-stage reopening roadmap. To reopen certain types of business, a county would attest to its readiness.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-091.aspx|title=California Department of Public Health Announces New Regional Variance Opportunity|date=2020-05-18|website=California Department of Public Health|language=en|access-date=2020-06-14}}

On May 26, the Department of Public Health announced that hair service businesses could reopen with restrictions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-101.aspx|title=CDPH Announces Most Counties Can Reopen Barbershops and Hair Salons with Modifications|date=2020-05-26|website=California Department of Public Health|language=en|access-date=2020-06-14}}

On June 5, the Department of Public Health noted that many counties were ready to move ahead into Stage 3 of the state's four-stage reopening roadmap.{{cite web|url=https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-113.aspx|title=California Public Health Officials Provide COVID-19 Update|date=2020-06-05|website=California Department of Public Health|language=en|access-date=2020-06-14}} Stage 3 allows for certain higher-risk businesses to reopen with safety and hygiene modifications like seating capacity and regular cleaning in restaurants, bars, theaters, gyms and hair salons.{{cite web |title=Resilience Roadmap |url=https://www.covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/#stage-3 |website=COVID19.CA.gov |publisher=State of California |access-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612025447/https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/#stage-3 |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |url-status=live}}

On June 12, the Department of Public Health released guidance for expanding the operations of personal care service businesses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-121.aspx|title=California Public Health Officials Provide COVID-19 Update|date=2020-06-12|website=California Department of Public Health|language=en|access-date=2020-06-14}}

On June 18, the Department of Public Health issued universal masking guidance. Counties may follow this guidance to require the wearing of cloth face coverings by all individuals over the age of 2 in all public indoor settings, and in outdoor settings when social distancing is not possible. Exemptions are provided for restaurants (if social distancing is maintained), inmates, and people with specific medical conditions that prevent their use. Newsom stated that "science shows that face coverings and masks work".{{Cite news|last1=Marinucci|first1=Carla|last2=Colliver|first2=Victoria|title=California requires masks statewide in bid to slow coronavirus spread|url=https://politi.co/2UZdOhs|access-date=2020-06-18|work=Politico PRO|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Higgins-Dunn|first=Noah|date=2020-06-18|title=California Gov. Gavin Newsom orders residents to wear face coverings in most public spaces|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/18/california-gov-gavin-newsom-orders-residents-to-wear-face-coverings-in-most-public-spaces.html|access-date=2020-06-18|work=CNBC|language=en}}

By late June, The New York Times observed an "alarming surge in cases" in California that was forcing Newsom to roll back the reopening in several counties.

On June 26, Newsom said he was "committed to intervening" if Imperial County officials did not reimpose stay-at-home orders in the Mexican border region where positive rates averaged 23% while the nationwide average was 5.7%.{{cite web|title=Gov. Newsom to Imperial County: 'I'm Committed to Intervening'|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/gov-newsom-to-imperial-county-im-committed-to-intervening/2354780/|access-date=2020-06-27|website=NBC 7 San Diego|date=June 26, 2020 |language=en-US}}

On June 28, Newsom ordered bars closed in seven counties: Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, San Joaquin, Tulare, Kings, and Imperial.{{Cite news|last1= Myers|first1=John |last2= Wigglesworth|first2=Alex |last3= Newberry|first3=Laura|last4= Holland|first4=Gale |date=2020-06-28|title=Newsom orders bars closed in 7 California counties including L.A. due to coronavirus spread|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-28/gavin-newsom-orders-bars-closed-in-7-california-counties-due-to-coronavirus-spread|access-date=2020-06-29|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}

On July 1, Newsom ordered the closure of most indoor businesses, including restaurants, wineries, and movie theaters, in Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Merced, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Ventura counties.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-07-01/newsom-imposes-new-rollbacks-of-californias-coronavirus-reopening|title=Restaurant dining rooms, wineries, card rooms to close for at least three weeks in 19 California counties|date=July 1, 2020|work=Los Angeles Times|first1=Taryn|last1=Luna|first2=Phil|last2=Willon|access-date=July 1, 2020}}

On July 13, Newsom re-imposed the closure of gyms, indoor dining, bars, movie theaters, and museums, citing an increase in cases.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/13/california-to-close-indoor-restaurants-movie-theaters-and-bars-statewide-as-coronavirus-cases-rise.html|title=California closes indoor restaurants, movie theaters and all bars statewide as coronavirus cases rise|date=July 13, 2020|first=Noah|last=Higgins-Dunn|work=CNBC}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/california-counties-reopening.html|work=The New York Times|date=July 14, 2020|title=Newsom Rolls Back Reopening in California|first=Jill|last=Cowan}}

By July 2020, California had the highest number of confirmed cases in the United States. In June, the state surpassed the 200,000 and in July 2020, 300,000 and again, 400,000 mark, about one percent infection rate per population for the state's 40 million residents. When the state rolled back reopening on July 13, the Mexican border county of Imperial was suggested on June 26 by the state government to restore their stay-at-home order.{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Maanvi|date=June 26, 2020|title=Why are California's Covid-19 cases surging? Here's what we know|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/26/california-coronavirus-covid-19-cases}}

File:COVID-19 and wildfire evacuations in California - 2020.ogg

On August 18, San Diego and Santa Cruz were removed from the state watchlist, now consisting of 42 counties.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Diego-state-watch-list-removed-Santa-Cruz-15493078.php|work=SFGATE|title=San Diego County removed from California coronavirus watch list|date=August 18, 2020|access-date=August 18, 2020|first=Amy|last=Graff}} On August 24, Orange, Napa, Calaveras, Mono, and Sierra were removed from the state watchlist.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-24/more-counties-removed-california-covid-19-watchlist|work=Los Angeles Times|title=More counties removed from California's COVID-19 watchlist|date=August 24, 2020|first=Colleen|last=Shalby}}

On August 28, Newsom unveiled the Blueprint for a Safer Economy — a new set of guidelines for lifting restrictions, designed to be "simple, stringent and slow". The Blueprint replaced the state watchlist with a four-tiered, color-coded classification system. These levels are based on the number of daily cases per-100,000 residents, and the current test positivity rate. To progress to a lower level, a county must remain within its required metrics for at least 21 days. A county may be rolled back to a higher tier if its numbers trend into its metrics over a 14-day period. These state orders may still be superseded by stricter county health orders.{{Cite web|last=Higgins-Dunn|first=Noah|date=2020-08-28|title=California's Newsom deploys new coronavirus reopening framework, most counties under strict orders|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/28/californias-newsom-deploys-new-coronavirus-reopening-framework-most-counties-under-strict-orders.html|access-date=2020-09-02|website=CNBC|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-08-28|title=Governor Newsom Unveils Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a Statewide, Stringent and Slow Plan for Living with COVID-19|url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/28/governor-newsom-unveils-blueprint-for-a-safer-economy-a-statewide-stringent-and-slow-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/|access-date=2020-09-02|website=California Governor|language=en}}

Local governments can delay a transition to a lower level as they choose.

Head of Health and Human Services Mark Ghaly stated that "health equity benchmarks" would also be a factor in classifications, with the Department of Public Health listing "data collection, testing access, contact tracing, supportive isolation, and outreach that demonstrate a county's ability to address the most impacted communities within a county" as metrics under this category.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-28/here-is-how-californias-new-coronavirus-reopening-rules-will-impact-you|work=Los Angeles Times|title=Here's how California's new coronavirus reopening rules will affect you|date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 28, 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Tapp|first=Tom|date=2020-08-28|title=California Coronavirus Update: Governor Gavin Newsom Reveals Stricter, "Slower" COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines For Businesses And Schools|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/california-coronavirus-governor-gavin-newsom-reveals-new-reopening-guidelines-1203026079/|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Deadline|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Tapp|first1=Tom|date=2020-09-01|title=California Coronavirus Update: Governor Gavin Newsom's Little-Noticed Reopening Requirement Could Trip L.A. Up|url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/california-coronavirus-governor-gavin-newsoms-new-reopening-requirement-1234568059/|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Deadline|language=en}}

September 8 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Amador, Orange, Placer, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz

September 15 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Inyo, Marin, Tehama

September 22 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Alameda, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Solano
• Substantial→Moderate: El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada
• Moderate→Minimal: Mariposa

September 24 BSE reassignment (special):{{efn-ua|name="special0925"|This reassignment was due to data correction from earlier data. Modoc County was also investigated, but its restrictions were not changed.}}

• Substantial→Moderate: Sierra

September 29 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Butte, Contra Costa, Fresno, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Yolo
• Substantial→Moderate: Amador, Calaveras, San Francisco

{{as of|2020|September|29|df=US}}, a majority of the state's population is under Substantial or lower restrictions.{{efn|name=population|group=upper-alpha}}

In early October, the California government added a new "equity metric" to its Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The equity rule relies on the California Healthy Places Index (HPI), which ranks census tracts in California using 25 factors including median household income, unemployment rate, education, voter turnout, tree coverage, health insurance, alcohol availability, and air and water pollution.{{cite web|url=https://healthyplacesindex.org/|title=California Healthy Places Index|access-date=2020-12-31}} For counties with a population above 106,000, the reopening of the entire county depends not only on the countywide infection rate but also on the infection rate within census tracts that score in the lowest quartile on the HPI.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/08/california-equity-rule-economy-427857|title=What California's new equity rule means for economic reopening|publisher=Politico|date=2020-10-08|access-date=2020-12-31}}{{cite web|url=https://reason.com/2020/10/09/infection-rates-in-neighborhoods-with-low-voter-turnout-many-bars-few-trees-could-slow-californias-reopening-under-new-equity-metric/|title=Infection Rates in Neighborhoods With Low Voter Turnout, Many Bars, Few Trees Could Slow California's Reopening Under New 'Equity Metric'|publisher=Reason.com|date=2020-10-09|access-date=2020-12-31}}

October 6 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Shasta
• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Tehama
• Widespread→Substantial: Merced, Ventura, Yuba
• Substantial→Moderate: Inyo
• Moderate→Minimal: Humboldt, Plumas, Siskiyou, Trinity

October 13 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Colusa, Kern, Kings, San Benito, Stanislaus, Sutter
• Substantial→Moderate: Alameda, Placer, Santa Clara
• Moderate→Minimal: Sierra

October 20 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Riverside, Shasta
• Substantial→Moderate: Butte, Napa
• Moderate→Minimal: San Francisco

October 27 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Glenn, Mendocino, Shasta
• Substantial→Moderate: Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz
• Moderate→Minimal: Calaveras

On November 2, the California Supreme Court had a ruling that involved Sutter County on implementing restrictions on Governor Gavin Newsom's public health emergency powers in the state's 8-month old COVID-19 lockdown.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-02/gavin-newsom-covid-19-executive-actions-sutter-county-court-ruling|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 2, 2020|first=Phil|last=Willon|title=Gov. Newsom rebuked by Sutter County court for use of executive power amid COVID-19 pandemic}}

November 4 BSE reassignment:{{efn-ua|This reassignment was delayed by one day due to Election Day.}}{{efn-ua|Placer and Trinity Counties' reassignments were not reported in the CDPH's official blueprint data chart.}}

• {{font color|red|Minimal→Moderate}}: Plumas, Trinity
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Placer
• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Shasta
• Substantial→Moderate: Colusa

November 10 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Minimal→Moderate}}: Modoc, Siskiyou
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Santa Cruz
• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus

{{as of|2020|November|10|df=US}}, a majority of the population is back up to Widespread restrictions.{{efn|name=population|group=upper-alpha}}

November 16 BSE reassignment:{{efn-ua|Starting with this reassignment, reassignments can happen on any day of the week.}}

• {{font color|red|Minimal→Moderate}}: Calaveras, Sierra
• {{font color|red|Minimal→Substantial}}: Humboldt, San Francisco
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Colusa, Del Norte, Marin, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, San Mateo
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Widespread}}: Alameda, Butte, Napa, Nevada, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Trinity, Tuolumne
• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Mendocino, Merced, Orange, Placer, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sutter, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba

Effective November 16, the BSE reassignment uses case data from the previous week (as opposed to two weeks ago). The rule prohibiting moving counties up by more than one tier at a time was also dropped.

On November 19, Newsom announced that a curfew—referred to as a "limited stay-at-home order"—would take effect in all counties in the Widespread tier from November 21 to December 21. The order generally restricts all "non-essential work, movement and gatherings" between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. PST nightly.{{Cite web|last=Tapp|first=Tom|date=2020-11-19|title=California Governor Gavin Newsom Issues Limited Stay-At-Home Order Through December 21; "We Are Sounding The Alarm"|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/california-governor-gavin-newsom-issues-limited-stay-at-home-order-through-december-21-we-are-sounding-the-alarm-1234619144/|access-date=2020-11-20|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Kolodny|first=Lora|date=2020-11-20|title=California gives Tesla 'essential workforce' exemption from new Covid-19 health orders|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/20/tesla-gets-exemption-from-new-california-covid-19-health-orders.html|access-date=2020-11-21|website=CNBC|language=en}}

November 24 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Minimal→Moderate}}: Alpine, Mariposa
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Calaveras
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Widespread}}: Lassen
• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Colusa, Del Norte, Humboldt
• Substantial→Moderate: Modoc

{{as of|2020|November|24|df=US}}, every county is under Moderate or higher restrictions.

November 28 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Alpine, Inyo, Mariposa
• {{font color|red|Moderate→Widespread}}: Modoc
• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Calaveras, Lake, Plumas, San Francisco, San Mateo

December 1 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Mono

On December 3, Newsom announced a regional stay-at-home order, which divides the state into 5 regions (Northern California, Bay Area, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley, Southern California). The order will be implemented in any region if the region's ICU capacity falls 15%, and will be in effect for 3 weeks at a time.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-03/newsom-weighs-shutdown-california-covid-19-cases-soar-december|date=December 3, 2020|access-date=December 3, 2020|url-status=live|title=Newsom orders new limits on California businesses and activities as COVID-19 soars|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204002955/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-03/newsom-weighs-shutdown-california-covid-19-cases-soar-december|first1=John|last1=Myers|first2=Rong-Gong II|last2=Lin}}{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGt1L_0I0zw|date=December 3, 2020|access-date=December 3, 2020|via=YouTube|work=CBS News|title=California governor to impose regional stay-at-home orders}}{{efn|name=population|group=upper-alpha}}{{cite news |last=Graff |first=Amy |date=December 9, 2020 |title=COVID-19 updates: More California residents required to follow new order |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/COVID-19-udpates-San-Francisco-Bay-Area-ICU-15788095.php |work=SFGate |access-date=December 9, 2020}}

• Northern California (1.73% of population): Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
• Bay Area (21.38% of population): Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma
• Greater Sacramento (7.45% of population): Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
• San Joaquin Valley (11.25% of population): Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
• Southern California (58.19% of population): Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura

On December 6 at 11:59 p.m., the regional stay-at-home order went into effect for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California regions.

December 8 BSE reassignment:{{efn-ua|Both of these reassignments were missing from the CDPH's official blueprint data chart.}}

• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Amador, Marin

On December 10 at 11:59 p.m., the regional stay-at-home order went into effect for the Greater Sacramento region.

December 15 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Inyo

On December 17 at 11:59 p.m., the regional stay-at-home order went into effect for the Bay Area region.

December 22 BSE reassignment: no changes.

December 29 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Humboldt

In early January, a campaign to recall Newsom over his response to the pandemic was reported to be gaining momentum.{{cite news|url=https://abc7news.com/9297408/|title=Recall campaign against once-popular Gov. Newsom gains momentum|work=ABC 7 News|date=January 2, 2021|access-date=January 3, 2021}}

January 5 BSE reassignment: no changes.

January 12 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Substantial→Widespread}}: Humboldt
• Widespread→Substantial: Trinity

On January 12, the regional stay-at-home order was lifted for the Greater Sacramento region.

January 19 BSE reassignment: no changes.

On January 25, Newsom announced the statewide cancellation of the regional stay-at-home order system.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Source-California-lifting-stay-at-home-orders-15895132.php|title=Gov. Newsom will end stay-at-home orders across California|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|date=January 24, 2021|access-date=January 25, 2021|first1=Alexei|last1=Koseff|first2=Michael|last2=Williams}}{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-01-24/newsom-cancels-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 24, 2021|access-date=January 25, 2021|title=Newsom cancels California's COVID-19 stay-at-home orders|first=Taryn|last=Luna}} The nighttime curfew for Widespread counties was also lifted.

January 26 BSE reassignment: no changes.

February 2 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Alpine, Trinity

On February 6, the Supreme Court of the United States blocked and revised California's ban on indoor religious worship, with an unsigned order that said the total ban is unconstitutional, but allowing the state to restrict attendance to 25% capacity, and upholding the ban on singing and chanting. The decision was 6–3 in favor.{{Cite news|title=Supreme Court rebukes California's strict coronavirus rules for churches|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/246403/supreme-court-rebukes-californias-strict-coronavirus-rules-for-churches|access-date=February 6, 2021|work=Catholic News Agency|language=en}}

February 9 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Del Norte

February 16 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Plumas

February 23 BSE reassignment:

• {{font color|red|Moderate→Substantial}}: Trinity
• Widespread→Substantial: Humboldt, Marin, San Mateo, Shasta, Yolo

On February 23, Newsom signed the $7.6 billion Golden State Stimulus bill which will provide $600 stimulus checks to qualifying residents, $2 billion in grants for small businesses, as well as millions in aid for food banks, low-income community college students, and agricultural workers who may have been exposed to COVID-19.{{cite web |title=Governor Newsom Signs Legislative Package Providing Urgent Relief to Californians Experiencing Pandemic Hardship |date=February 23, 2021 |url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/02/23/governor-newsom-signs-legislative-package-providing-urgent-relief-to-californians-experiencing-pandemic-hardship/}}

On March 1, Newsom and legislative leaders announced a $6.6{{nbsp}}billion aid package aimed at reopening schools.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Dustin |title=California Offers $2 Billion Incentive In A Push For In-Person Learning |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/972642488/california-offers-2-billion-incentive-in-a-push-for-in-person-learning |date=March 1, 2021}} $2{{nbsp}}billion will be dedicated to PPE and other necessary safety measures, while $4.6{{nbsp}}billion will go to summer schools, tutoring, and mental health services. Additionally, with the penalty of gradually losing access to this aid, public schools are required to offer in-person learning for kindergarten to second grade students and high-needs students in every grade by the end of March. Furthermore, this aid package will allocate 10% of all vaccines for education workers.

March 2 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Napa, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara

On March 5, California officials announced that theme parks and sports stadiums may reopen with safety precautions on April 1.{{cite news |last1=Money |first1=Luke |last2=Lin |first2=Rong-Gong II |last3=MartÍn |first3=Hugo |title=California theme parks, stadiums can reopen as soon as April 1 under revamped COVID-19 rules |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-05/california-theme-parks-stadiums-can-amid-covid |date=March 5, 2021}} Theme park capacity will be limited to 15%, 25%, and 35% for counties in the red, orange, and yellow tiers respectively. Stadium capacity will be limited to 100 people, 20% capacity, 33% capacity, and 67% capacity for counties in the purple, red, orange, and yellow tiers respectively. Theme parks will not be allowed to have indoor dining, and there will also be restrictions on indoor rides. For stadiums, concession sales are not allowed in counties in the purple tier, while in-seat concession sales will be allowed for counties in the other tiers. Additionally, for both theme parks and stadiums, attendance will be limited to in-state visitors only.

March 9 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Alameda, Butte, Calaveras, Imperial, Santa Cruz, Solano
• Substantial→Moderate: Mariposa, Plumas
• Moderate→Minimal: Alpine

On March 11, state officials announced that breweries, wineries, and distilleries could reopen outdoors statewide as soon as the state reached its goal of 2{{nbsp}}million vaccinations to residents in designated disadvantaged ZIP codes.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-11/california-reopen-breweries-wineries-distilleries-covid-19-restrictions|work=Los Angeles Times|title=California breweries, wineries and distilleries can reopen as COVID-19 restrictions lifted|date=March 11, 2021|access-date=March 11, 2021|first1=Luke|last1=Money|first2=Jaclyn|last2=Cosgrove}}

March 13 BSE reassignment:{{efn-ua|This reassignment was unofficially announced on March 12.}}

• Widespread→Substantial: Amador, Colusa, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Mono, Orange, Placer, San Benito, San Bernardino, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Tuolumne

{{as of|2021|3|13|df=US}}, a majority of the state's population is back under Substantial or lower restrictions.{{efn|name=population|group=upper-alpha}}

March 16 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Lake, Monterey, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura
• Substantial→Moderate: San Mateo

March 23 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Kern, Nevada, Stanislaus
• Substantial→Moderate: Lassen, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Trinity, Yolo
• Moderate→Minimal: Sierra

March 30 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: Fresno, Glenn, Kings, Madera, Yuba
• Substantial→Moderate: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Los Angeles, Modoc, Orange, Santa Cruz, Tuolumne

April 6 BSE reassignment:

• Widespread→Substantial: San Joaquin
• Substantial→Moderate: Contra Costa, El Dorado, Humboldt, Imperial, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Riverside, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Tulare, Ventura

{{as of|2021|4|6|df=US}}, a majority of the state's population is under Moderate or lower restrictions.{{efn|name=population|group=upper-alpha}}

On April 6, Governor Newsom announced that the state planned to end most COVID-19 restrictions on June 15, 2021, if certain criteria are met: this includes equitable vaccine availability for all residents 16 years of age and older, and hospitalizations remaining "stable and low". Newsom justified the decision by stating that California "the lowest case rates [and] positivity rates in America."{{Cite web|last=Tapp|first=Tom|date=2021-04-06|title=California Ending Most Covid Restrictions: "We'll Be Opening Up On June 15," Announces Newsom|url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/california-ending-covid-restrictions-june-15-1234728584/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406180101/https://deadline.com/2021/04/california-ending-covid-restrictions-june-15-1234728584/ |archive-date=April 6, 2021 }}{{cite news|last1=Money|first1=Luke|last2=Luna|first2=Taryn|title=California aims to fully reopen its economy June 15|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-06/california-aims-to-fully-reopen-the-economy-june-15|access-date=6 April 2021}}{{Cite web|title=Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy|url=https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/beyond_memo.aspx|access-date=2021-05-03|website=www.cdph.ca.gov}}

Head of Health and Human Services Mark Ghaly stated that California will be focusing on vaccination and mandatory masking as opposed to limitations on businesses moving forward; following this change, the Blueprint will "no longer be in effect" in its present form, and most fields of business will be allowed to operate with few restrictions. These changes will take effect simultaneously state-wide. There will still be some indefinite restrictions; the mask mandate will remain in effect, and the state does not plan to immediately allow large multi-day events such as music festivals (although singular concerts will still be allowed). Furthermore, participation in large-scale indoor events such as conventions will be subject to proof of full vaccination or having recently tested negative, and that such events might not be able to operate at a full capacity without this requirement until October 2021.

April 13 BSE reassignment:{{efn|group=upper-alpha|Merced County was not initially reassigned, but was adjudicated by the CDPH on April 14.}}

• Widespread→Substantial: Inyo, Merced
• Substantial→Moderate: Kern, Lake
• Moderate→Minimal: Lassen

As of April 13, the entire state's population is at Substantial or lower restrictions.

April 20 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Mono, Santa Barbara

On April 26, Governor Newsom announced that California was sending over 1,100 pieces of oxygen equipment to India as a response to the worsening outbreak in India.{{cite news |title=California sending oxygen equipment to help India's COVID crisis |url=https://abc7.com/help-india-covid-crisis-why-surge-relief-in/10553851/ |access-date=3 May 2021}}

April 27 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Amador, Glenn, San Luis Obispo, Sutter
• Moderate→Minimal: Mendocino

On April 29, Governor Newsom signed a bill that will give small businesses a $6.2 billion tax cut.{{cite web |title=Governor Newsom Signs Bill Giving Small Business a $6.2 Billion Tax Cut |date=April 30, 2021 |url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/04/29/governor-newsom-signs-bill-giving-small-business-a-6-2-billion-tax-cut/ |access-date=1 May 2021}} Forgiven PPP loans will not be counted as income, and small businesses will also be able to deduct the expenses that those PPP loans paid for.

May 4 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Inyo
• Moderate→Minimal: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Trinity

On May 10, Governor Newsom announced the $100{{nbsp}}billion California Comeback Plan.{{cite web |title=California Roars Back: Governor Newsom Announces Largest State Tax Rebate in American History |date=May 10, 2021 |url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/05/10/california-roars-back-governor-newsom-announces-largest-state-tax-rebate-in-american-history/ |access-date=10 May 2021}} $12 billion will go towards expanding the state's Golden State Stimulus program for more households. Under the plan, households that make under $75,000 and have not received the Golden State Stimulus already will be getting $600. Qualifying households with dependents will receive an additional $500. As a result of the California Comeback Plan, two-thirds of households will be eligible for some sort of stimulus payment. Additionally, the California Comeback Plan allocates $5{{nbsp}}billion for rent relief and assistance with water and utility payments. This plan is the largest state tax rebate in American history.

May 11 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Madera
• Moderate→Minimal: Mono, San Mateo

On May 12, Governor Newsom announced that the state would end its mask mandate on June 15, along with dropping the BSE system, if case numbers remained low.{{cite news|url=https://www.kron4.com/news/california/newsom-says-mask-mandate-will-end-after-june-15/|publisher=KRON4|title=Newsom says mask mandate will end after June 15|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021}}

May 18 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Tehama
• Moderate→Minimal: Amador, Orange, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz

May 25 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Merced, Placer
• Moderate→Minimal: Inyo, Mariposa

On May 27, Governor Newsom announced the Vax for the Win incentive program.{{cite news |last1=Nuttle |first1=Matthew |title=Free Money: California launches 'Vax for the Win' incentive program to get more people vaccinated |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/california-vax-for-the-win-millions-prizes-covid-vaccine/103-bcafce79-6039-4c0e-8a82-b9dc51577fa7 |access-date=8 June 2021}} The program will spend $116.5 million on incentives for Californians to get vaccinated. The first 2 million Californians to get fully vaccinated after the creation of the program will receive a $50 gift card. All Californians who've been vaccinated with at least one dose will be entered into a lottery. 30 Californians will win $50,000 each, and 10 Californians will win $1.5 million each.

June 1 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Nevada, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano
• Moderate→Minimal: Marin, Monterey, San Benito, Ventura

June 8 BSE reassignment:

• Substantial→Moderate: Stanislaus
• Moderate→Minimal: Alameda, Napa, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara

As of June 8, a majority of the state's population is under Minimal restrictions.

The BSE system and statewide mask mandate ended on June 15. The state of emergency stayed in effect, and there are still COVID-19 restrictions in effect for workplaces and live events with 5,000+ people.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/California-to-lift-indoor-mask-mandate-June-15-16183030.php|title=California to lift indoor mask mandate June 15 for vaccinated people|date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 17, 2021|first1=Erin|last1=Allday|first2=Catherine|last2=Ho|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Beyond-Blueprint-Framework.aspx|title=Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors|date=May 21, 2021|publisher=California Department of Public Health|access-date=June 15, 2021}}

On June 17, the state ended its mask mandate for vaccinated workers.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Vaccinated-workers-can-now-do-away-with-masks-on-16255989.php|work=San Francisco Chronicle|title=Vaccinated workers can now do away with masks on the job in California|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|first=Chase|last=DiFeliciantonio}}

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On August 11, California became the first U.S. state to require that all teachers and school staff (regardless of whether the school is public or private) be fully vaccinated, or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/11/us/california-school-employees-vaccinated-newsom/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 11, 2021|title=California to mandate vaccines or regular testing for teachers|first1=Kyung|last1=Lah|first2=Cheri|last2=Mossburg|first3=Ray|last3=Sanchez}}

On August 19, the state government announced that effective September 20, 2021, organizers of events with 1,000+ attendees would have to verify that all attendees are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-08-19/california-tightens-covid-19-rules-for-large-indoor-events|date=August 19, 2021|access-date=August 19, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|title=California tightens COVID-19 rules for large indoor events|first1=Luke|last1=Money|first2=Rong-Gong II|last2=Lin}}

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On October 1, the state government announced a vaccine mandate for all public school students aged 12+.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/gavin-newsom-major-announcement-california-schools/2671212/|work=NBC Bay Area|title=California to Require All Schoolchildren to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19|first1=Olga R.|last1=Rodriguez|first2=Adam|last2=Beam}}

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On December 13, due to the threat of Omicron variant, it was announced that a state-level mask mandate for indoor public spaces would be reimplemented from December 15, 2021, through January 15, 2022, in all counties that did not already have a mask mandate, and regardless of vaccination status. The state order does not override existing mask mandates in counties that already had one prior to December 13, such as Los Angeles County and San Francisco (including provisions that differ from the new state mandate, such as San Francisco exempting "stable groups" of fully-vaccinated individuals from its mask mandate).{{cite news|url=https://abc7.com/california-mask-mandate-covid-19-pandemic-rules/11335487/|title=State reinstates indoor mask mandate for one month amid new COVID-19 increase|publisher=ABC7|date=December 13, 2021|access-date=December 13, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Tapp|first=Tom|date=2021-12-16|title=Half Of California's Counties May Be Exempt From Parts Of Its Universal Indoor Mask Mandate|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/california-counties-exempt-indoor-mask-mandate-1234891988/|access-date=2021-12-16|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-12-15|title=These three Bay Area counties get exemptions from California's COVID mask rules|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/15/state-grants-mask-rule-exceptions-for-some-bay-area-counties|access-date=2021-12-16|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}

On February 26, 2020, Orange County declared a local health emergency to raise awareness and accelerate emergency planning.{{cite web | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/02/26/coronavirus-san-francisco-emergency-face-masks-brazil-south-korea/4878620002/ | title = San Francisco, Orange County declare coronavirus health emergencies | last = Ortiz | first = John Bacon and Jorge L. | website = USA TODAY | language = en-US | access-date=February 26, 2020}}

On March 8, 2020, Riverside County declared a public health emergency with a case being treated at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage.{{cite news|url=https://www.pe.com/2020/03/08/coronavirus-public-health-emergency-declared-for-riverside-county/|title=Coronavirus: Public health emergency declared for Riverside County|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309123102/https://www.pe.com/2020/03/08/coronavirus-public-health-emergency-declared-for-riverside-county/|archive-date=March 9, 2020|work=The Press Enterprise|date=March 8, 2020}}

On April 7, 2020, Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti announced that in accordance with recent CDC recommendations, it would institute a Worker Protection Order beginning April 10, requiring all employees and customers of stores and essential businesses to wear a face mask. Businesses will have the right to refuse service to customers who do not wear a face mask.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-08/coronavirus-los-angeles-mandatory-face-covering-rules|title=What you need to know about L.A.'s mandatory coronavirus mask, face covering rules|date=April 8, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408190718/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-08/coronavirus-los-angeles-mandatory-face-covering-rules|archive-date=April 8, 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/04/07/coronavirus-face-coverings-required-essential-workers-customers/|title=Garcetti: Non-Medical Essential Workers, Customers Required To Wear Face Coverings|date=April 7, 2020|language=en-US|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411065740/https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/04/07/coronavirus-face-coverings-required-essential-workers-customers/|archive-date=April 11, 2020|url-status=live}}

On July 15, 2021, due to newfound concerns over the Delta variant and a recent spike in cases, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced a regional mask mandate will be reinstated effective 11:59 p.m. on July 17. This applies in all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-15|title=L.A. County will require masks indoors amid alarming rise in coronavirus cases|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-07-15/l-a-county-will-require-masks-indoors-amid-covid-19-surge|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}

On October 6, 2021, the Los Angeles City Council passed the SafePassLA ordinance, requiring proof of full vaccination for patrons of nearly all public indoor spaces, including malls, indoor restaurants and bars, museums, entertainment and recreation facilities, salons, and gyms. It also applies to all outdoor events with more than 5,000 attendees.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-06|title=L.A. to require proof of COVID vaccination at indoor restaurants, salons, other venues|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-06/l-a-to-require-proof-of-covid-vaccination-at-indoor-restaurants-salons-and-other-venues|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-06|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006174226/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-06/l-a-to-require-proof-of-covid-vaccination-at-indoor-restaurants-salons-and-other-venues |archive-date=October 6, 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES|url=http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=3483|access-date=2021-11-06|website=publichealth.lacounty.gov}} The ordinance takes effect November 8, and supersedes the separate order issued by Los Angeles County where applicable.{{Cite web|last=Tapp|first=Tom|date=2021-11-06|title=Strict Los Angeles Indoor Vaccine Mandate Goes Into Effect Monday As Covid Cases Continue To Rise|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/los-angeles-indoor-vaccine-mandate-monday-1234869259/|access-date=2021-11-06|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}

On March 3, 2020, Placer County declared a public health emergency, following the confirmation of a second coronavirus case in that county.{{cite web|date=March 3, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2020|title=Placer County reports 2nd coronavirus case. 'Critically ill' patient was on cruise ship|last=Yoon-Hendricks|first=Alexandra|work=The Sacramento Bee|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article240871226.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409211049/https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article240871226.html|archive-date=April 9, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 7, 2020, a family in Elk Grove contracted the virus and was quarantined{{cite web|url=http://www.capradio.org/147007|title=Elk Grove Schools Close After Coronavirus Case Confirmed In City. Sacramento City Schools To Remain Open.|website=capradio.org|access-date=March 8, 2020}} which led to the school district of Elk Grove decision to close down all schools until March 13.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.egusd.net/pressroom/2020/03/07/media-statement-elk-grove-unified-closes-school-cancels-classes-and-cancels-student-related-activities-effective-march-7-to-march-13-2020/|title=Media Statement: Elk Grove Unified Closes School, Cancels Classes and Cancels Student-Related Activities Effective March 7 to March 13, 2020. {{!}} NEWSROOM|website=blogs.egusd.net|date=March 7, 2020|access-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309135227/http://blogs.egusd.net/pressroom/2020/03/07/media-statement-elk-grove-unified-closes-school-cancels-classes-and-cancels-student-related-activities-effective-march-7-to-march-13-2020/|archive-date=March 9, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 10, 2020, a resident of a retirement home tested positive in Elk Grove in Sacramento County. County health officials said that they had the capacity to only test 20 people per day and would be focusing all their efforts on the other residents of the retirement home. That resident died from complications of the virus on the same day.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}

On March 17, 2020, Sacramento County issued a stay-at-home directive, which, unlike a shelter in place order, is not a legal requirement.{{cite news|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241299741.html|title=Stay at home orders|language=en|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319114346/https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241299741.html|archive-date=March 19, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 19, 2020, Sacramento County upgraded its stay-at-home directive into an official order that carries legal consequences.{{cite news|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241332696.html|title=Sacramento County issues formal order for residents to stay at home as coronavirus spreads|website=Sacramento Bee|date=March 19, 2020|access-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319212455/https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241332696.html|archive-date=March 19, 2020|url-status=live}}

On October 12, 2021, the Sacramento City Unified School District approved a vaccine mandate for all staff and students age 12+, effective November 30.{{cite news|url=https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2021/10/13/sacramento-city-unified-school-district-vaccine-mandate/|date=October 13, 2021|access-date=October 13, 2021|title=Sacramento City Unified School District Votes To Make COVID-19 Vaccine Mandatory For All Students, Staff|work=CBS Sacramento}}

On February 14, 2020, San Diego County declared a local health emergency to ensure that the county had the resources needed to respond to the infections. The state of emergency lasted for seven days.{{cite web | url = https://www.kusi.com/county-declares-local-state-of-emergency-in-response-to-the-coronavirus-in-san-diego/ | title = County declares local state of emergency in response to the coronavirus in San Diego – | date=February 15, 2020 | website = McKinnon Broadcasting | language = en-US | access-date=February 26, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200215185311/https://www.kusi.com/county-declares-local-state-of-emergency-in-response-to-the-coronavirus-in-san-diego/ | archive-date=February 15, 2020 | url-status = live}}

On March 10, a woman became the first presumptive case of the novel coronavirus in San Diego County, who was being treated at Scripps Green Hospital, with verification of the test results pending from the CDC. The infection was related to overseas travel; she had not been subjected to a 14-day quarantine upon return, indicating that she did not come from one of the "high risk" countries at the time of her return.{{cite web|url=https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/mar/10/san-diego-county-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/|title=San Diego County Confirms First Presumptive Coronavirus Case|publisher=KPBS Public Media|date=March 10, 2020|access-date=March 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311034004/https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/mar/10/san-diego-county-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/|archive-date=March 11, 2020|url-status=live}}

{{as of|2020|July|7|df=us}}, contact tracers in San Diego had only contacted around 9,000 contacts out of an estimated 170,000 persons who need to be contacted. Some people reportedly become angry when contacted and demand to know who had tested positive. When contact tracers don't reveal this information, sometimes people hang up. They attempt to call them two more times, then mail a letter telling them how to stay safe. They call one more time after a 14-day period to see if the person developed symptoms. San Diego does not have a digital contact tracing app and has delayed plans to develop one, citing that the app would first have to go through multiple reviews for privacy and security.{{cite news|url=https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/jul/07/how-contact-tracing-going-san-diego/|title=San Diego's Contact Tracing Program Not Keeping Up With Virus Surge|work=KPBS|date=July 7, 2020|first=Claire|last=Trageser}}

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On March 24, 2020, Mendocino County revised its shelter-in-place order to align with the state order including a stricter list of essential businesses, closure of all parks within Mendocino County, and for the order to be in place until rescinded.{{cite web|url=https://www.mendocinocounty.org/Home/Components/News/News/4045/3242|title=COVID-19 News {{!}} Mendocino County, CA|website=www.mendocinocounty.org|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328065927/https://www.mendocinocounty.org/Home/Components/News/News/4045/3242|archive-date=March 28, 2020|url-status=live}}

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