Reopening California: Everything we know about CA businesses opening Friday and what comes next

ByAlix Martichoux KFSN logo

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Reopening California: Phase 2 of gov. Newsom's plan starts Friday

Governor Gavin Newsom announced major changes for Friday. Phase two of his plan starts up with restricted reopening's for certain stores across the state. Bay Area counties have stricter policies in place so it's unlikely we'll see as many reopening's here.

SAN FRANCISCO (KFSN) -- As the curve of novel coronavirus cases in California has effectively flattened, the conversation has shifted from how to contain the deadly virus to how we might reach a new normal of sorts.

WATCH LIVE THURSDAY AT 12PM: Newsom to reveal rules for California businesses opening Friday

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been easing restrictions at the state level very slowly. The next round of reopening is scheduled to start Friday, May 8, when retail businesses will be allowed to open for curbside pickup.

But California's cautious rollout of new rules has left a lot of people scratching their heads. Here's a breakdown of what we know - and what we don't know - about how the state is reopening.

The Four Stages

California plans to reopen its economy in four phases:

Stage 1: Everyone is either staying at home or a member of the essential workforce

Stage 2: Reopening lower risk workplaces, including:

Non-essential manufacturing (toys, furniture, clothing, etc.)

Schools

Childcare facilities

Retail businesses for curbside pick-up

Offices where working remotely isn't possible, but can be modified to make the environment safer for employees

Stage 3: Reopening higher risk workplaces, which require close proximity to other people, including:

Hair salons

Nail salons

Gyms

Movie theaters

Sporting events without live audiences

In-person religious services (churches and weddings)

Stage 4: Ending the stay-at-home order, which would allow for the reopening of:

Concert venues

Convention centers

Sporting events with live audiences

What stage are we in now?

When the state allows some retail businesses to open Friday, we'll be slowly moving from Stage 1 to Stage 2. It's sort of like a Stage 1.5.

What businesses are allowed to operate and which aren't?

Starting May 8, bookstores, clothing stores, toy stores, florists and other similar retailers will be allowed to do curbside pickup only. That means no in-store browsing. Associated manufacturers that support those retail supply chains will also be allowed to resume production.

Those businesses will only be allowed to reopen if they follow additional safety and hygiene protocols that will be released Thursday.

There are other businesses in Stage 2 that are not allowed to reopen at this time, such as dine-in restaurants, office buildings and shopping malls.