Newsom Shutters California Bars, Orders Restaurants to Cut Occupancy; Seniors 65+ to Remain Home.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday called for new restrictions in California, asking bars to close, restaurants to slash occupancy in half and requesting that all individuals 65 and older remain inside their homes. 

The state government hopes the efforts will slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed older individuals in greater numbers, worldwide. The bar restrictions also extend to wineries, night clubs and brew pubs, according to The Sacramento Bee. Newsom did not order restaurants to close completely, indicating that some may still operate with a reduced number of patrons and maintain curbside service and home delivery. 

“We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians is anxiety-inducing,” Newsom said Sunday. But, “we need to meet this moment head on, and lean in and own this moment … and take actions we think are commensurate with the need to protect the most vulnerable Californians.”

Newsome also said California will limit visitations to nursing homes to end-of-life circumstances. The state will also make an effort to place homeless individuals indoors in trailers and motels.