Wednesday, the state announced immediate mandated restrictions on certain indoor business operations in 19 California counties, including San Bernardino County. In addition to mandating the closure of all bars in the 19 counties, the state ordered the closing of indoor operations for restaurants; movie theaters; family entertainment centers; wineries, breweries and tasting rooms; card rooms; and zoos and museums. The new restrictions will be in place for at least three weeks, after which the state will reevaluate the situation.
Public health officials have attributed the recent spike in cases to people ignoring social distancing and mask-wearing protocols. The governor also expressed concerns about gatherings of friends and extended families during the Independence Day weekend, urging people to limit such gatherings to those who share a household.
Over the past 14 days the state has seen a 51 percent increase in hospitalizations and a 47 percent increase in ICU admissions. To enforce the new restrictions, the state has established a multi-agency strike team that includes the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, CalOSHA, the Department of Business Oversight, the Department of Consumer Affairs and the California Highway Patrol.
